‘I apologise’ – Dr Yamson admits MTN Ghana was late to condemn xenophobic attacks

Dr. Ishmael Yamson, the Economist and Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has admitted that the company was delayed in condemning xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other Africans in South Africa. He expressed regret for not issuing an earlier statement, despite a condemnation from the South Africa Ghana Business Chamber. Dr. Yamson acknowledged that while the corporate sector in South Africa had spoken out against the attacks, MTN Ghana felt the need to issue a statement directly due to its significant influence in Ghana.

He emphasized that MTN Ghana, not being affiliated with MTN South Africa, condemned the attacks unreservedly and dissociated itself completely from them. Dr. Yamson criticized South Africa's handling of the situation, stating that the country could not promote African integration while treating African migrants with hostility. He also criticized calls for retaliation against South African businesses operating in Ghana, warning that such actions would ultimately harm Ghanaians.

Dr. Yamson highlighted that MTN Ghana has over 120,000 Ghanaian shareholders and that about 98% of its employees are Ghanaian. He also noted that MTN Ghana is the biggest taxpayer in the country and operates under Ghanaian law, with no wrongdoing against Ghanaians. Additionally, the chairman revealed that MTN Ghana had initially planned to provide a financial support package of GH¢10 million for Ghanaians returning from South Africa, but later decided to create a fund to assist them in rebuilding their lives.