MTN Ghana Commits GH¢20 Million to Support Ghanaians Returning From South Africa
- MTN Ghana doubled its initial GH¢10 million pledge to support Ghanaians returning from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks
- Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson said the fund is designed to help returnees rebuild their livelihoods, not just provide short-term relief
- Dr Yamson admitted the company was slower than others to act publicly and expressed regret over the delay in rolling out the support
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MTN Ghana has pledged GH¢20 million to assist Ghanaian nationals who have returned home from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence that has claimed the lives of at least two Ghanaian citizens.
Source: UGC
The telecommunications company's Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, shared the commitment during an interview with Joy News on Thursday, 20 August.
In an August 24, 2026 report by citinewsroom, he explained that the fund was specifically structured to help returnees get back on their feet over the long term, rather than simply cushioning the immediate impact of displacement.
MTN Ghana doubles its initial pledge
Dr Yamson shared that the company originally earmarked GH¢10 million for the effort, but after reviewing the scale of the crisis, the board resolved to match that figure, bringing the total to GH¢20 million.
The combined sum will be channelled into a dedicated fund to help affected Ghanaians restart their lives and livelihoods.
He conceded that MTN Ghana had been slower than some of its peers in making the intervention public, expressing regret that the company had not engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sooner.
"It's something that I regret, because we should have moved faster," he said, though he was careful to stress that the delay did not reflect indifference.
"We will do it. We'll do it in a big way. We'll do it in a way that will make more meaning," Dr Yamson added.
Dr Yamson condemns xenophobic violence
The board chairman was unequivocal in distancing MTN Ghana from the violence unfolding in South Africa, which has targeted African migrants in a series of attacks.
"I condemn it. I completely dissociate MTN Ghana from it. We have nothing to do with it. One thing that maybe has not been visible is what we have done to support," he said.
Dr Yamson also took a moment to recognise other organisations that had already stepped in, including Telecel and the Church of Pentecost.
"And for those who did it, Telecel and the others, I really congratulate them. Pentecost Church, I congratulate them," he said.
Ghana has evacuated more than 1,000 nationals from South Africa since the attacks intensified, with authorities also rolling out reintegration measures to support those who have returned.
MTN Ghana's GH¢20 million commitment is among the most substantial corporate responses to the crisis so far.
Source: Twitter
Xenophobic attack victim begins his cement business
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, the Ghanaian man who recently returned from South Africa after experiencing xenophobic attacks in the country, has started his business with the help of Ibrahim Mahama.
The man completed the process to launch his cement and distribution hardware business in the country.
In a post on X, Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah was seen at the Dzata Cement factory with others. In one photo, he was walking with other people at the cement factory.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
