Government Turns Down MTN Ghana’s GH¢20m Donation For Victims Of South Africa Xenophobic Attacks.

 

Accra – Aug. 26 – 24HourNews – The Government of Ghana has turned down a GH¢20 million donation offered by telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana, intended to support Ghanaian nationals affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

 

The decision was communicated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

 

According to the Ministry, government has already made comprehensive arrangements for the evacuation, resettlement and reintegration of affected Ghanaians, making the private support unnecessary at this time.

 

“The Government of Ghana has already made adequate arrangements for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept the offer,” the statement said.

The Ministry further noted that government will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and direct financial support to all citizens who have been evacuated back home as a result of the attacks.

 

It added that a detailed account of the total cost incurred in the evacuation exercise will be published for public scrutiny once the entire operation is completed.

 

Scores of Ghanaians living in South Africa were affected by the latest wave of xenophobic violence which erupted in parts of Johannesburg and Durban, prompting government to activate emergency evacuation protocols.

 

MTN Ghana, as part of its corporate social responsibility, had offered GH¢20 million to complement government’s efforts in supporting the victims.

 

While declining the offer, government commended MTN Ghana for the gesture, describing it as a show of solidarity and corporate citizenship.

 

Government also used the opportunity to assure international businesses operating in Ghana, including South African-owned enterprises, of its commitment to protecting investments and ensuring a conducive environment for business to thrive.