You can’t talk integration and treat Africa like toilet roll – Dr Yamson blasts South African politicians

Economist and Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, Dr Ishmael Yamson, has harshly condemned the xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans in South Africa. Describing the behavior as incompatible with the continent's push for integration, Dr Yamson expressed his anger during a recent interview on Joy News' PM Express. He criticized South African politicians for allowing Africans in their country to suffer hostility and violence while promoting investment and integration.

Dr Yamson urged politicians in South Africa to understand that they cannot advocate for African integration while treating the continent's citizens poorly. Amid the mounting concerns over attacks on African migrants in South Africa, Dr Yamson rejected claims that South African corporations had remained silent on the issue. He highlighted that Dr Yamson himself condemned the violence, and the South Africa Ghana Business Chamber had issued a statement condemning the attacks.

However, he admitted that MTN Ghana should have released its own statement earlier. Dr Yamson stressed that MTN Ghana should not be held responsible for the actions of perpetrators in South Africa. He clarified that the company is a corporate citizen of Ghana, with over 120,000 Ghanaian shareholders and predominantly Ghanaian employees and dealers.

Dr Yamson also condemned calls for Ghanaians to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Ghana, warning that such action would only harm Ghana's workers, shareholders, and economy. He emphasized that MTN Ghana has not done anything to warrant retaliation and continues to contribute significantly to Ghana's economy.

The company is a major taxpayer and invests 1% of its profit after tax in social programs, supporting hospitals, schools, girls' education, and women's empowerment. Dr Yamson revealed that MTN Ghana had committed GH¢10 million to help Ghanaians returning from South Africa. He explained that the company initially intended to use the money for immediate support but later decided to create a more sustainable intervention to help returnees rebuild their lives.

Dr Yamson acknowledged that the company should have moved faster but insisted that the support had not been abandoned. He emphasized that despite the bad situation in South Africa, MTN Ghana should not be equated with the attacks.