MTN Ghana pledges ¢20m support package for Ghanaians returning from South Africa

MTN Ghana has announced a GH¢20 million support package for Ghanaians returning from South Africa, following a surge in xenophobic attacks against African migrants, including Ghanaians. The company's Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, revealed that the initial plan was to allocate GH¢10 million for welcoming the returnees, but later recognized the need for a longer-term intervention.

Dr Yamson explained that the company initially thought giving data and basic resources to the returnees would suffice, but later realized that they needed a fund to help them rebuild their lives. MTN Ghana increased its initial budget by GH¢10 million to establish this fund. Dr Yamson admitted that the company should have consulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier on the initiative, but emphasized that the delay should not be seen as a lack of concern for the affected Ghanaians.

Despite the delay, MTN Ghana remains committed to the intervention and pledges to implement it in a meaningful way. The announcement comes amid renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have targeted African migrants, resulting in deadly consequences for two Ghanaian nationals. Dr Yamson condemned the attacks and dissociated MTN Ghana from the violence, while praising other companies and organizations that have already supported the returnees.