Ishmael Yamson warns Ghanaians against targeting MTN Ghana over South African xenophobia

Dr Ishmael Yamson, the Economist and Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, has cautioned against targeting MTN Ghana and other South African-linked businesses in response to xenophobic attacks experienced by Ghanaians in South Africa. He emphasized that such actions would harm Ghanaian interests and potentially destroy businesses that significantly contribute to the local economy.

Dr Yamson's remarks came as there were calls for retaliatory action against South African businesses operating in Ghana following the attacks on African migrants, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr Yamson clarified that MTN Ghana should not be held responsible for the actions of South Africans involved in the attacks.

He emphasized that MTN Ghana is a significant Ghanaian shareholder and employs thousands of Ghanaians, stating that it is a corporate citizen of Ghana, distinct from MTN South Africa. MTN Ghana contributes substantially to the Ghanaian economy through taxes, with the company being the largest taxpayer in the country. Dr Yamson acknowledged that MTN Ghana had failed to publicly condemn the xenophobic attacks earlier and expressed regret for not issuing a statement.

He noted that the corporate sector in South Africa had also condemned the attacks, and the MTN Ghana chairman had condemned them forcefully. Dr Yamson reiterated his condemnation of the attacks and dissociated MTN Ghana from them, emphasizing that the company has no connection to the incidents. He expressed his shock at the attacks, which have claimed two lives, and stressed that the actions of South Africans against Ghanaians in South Africa are unacceptable.

Dr Yamson argued that retaliating against Ghanaian businesses would not resolve the issue and would harm Ghana instead. He urged for separating the actions of South Africans in South Africa from the operations of businesses like MTN Ghana. Dr Yamson highlighted MTN Ghana’s social investments, including a 1% profit allocation to a foundation for social causes such as hospitals, schools, girls’ education, and women’s empowerment.

He announced that MTN Ghana had set aside GH¢10 million as a welcome-back package for Ghanaians returning from South Africa following the attacks, although the company later reconsidered the fund's framework to help returnees rebuild their lives more meaningfully. Dr Yamson admitted that the company should have involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier but assured that the support for returnees would not be abandoned and would be implemented meaningfully.