Ghana rejected MTN’s GH¢20m donation to sustain diplomatic pressure on South Africa – Int’l Relations Analyst
International Relations expert Dr Ishmael Hlovor says Ghana’s decision to decline a GH¢20 million donation from MTN for victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to maintain pressure on the South African government.
Dr Ishmael Hlovor, an International Relations analyst, has shed light on Ghana's decision to reject a GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana. According to Dr Hlovor, this decision is part of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at maintaining pressure on the South African government. Although accepting the donation could provide economic support to victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, rejecting it sends a powerful message to South Africa that Ghana views the recurring attacks on foreigners as a serious issue that requires long-term solutions.
Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Wednesday, August 26, Dr Hlovor explained that Ghana seeks to engage South Africa openly about the issue and hold them accountable for addressing the conditions that fuel xenophobic attacks. He emphasized that this move is a continuation of Ghana's efforts to apply more diplomatic pressure on the South African government, urging them to openly engage in finding sustainable solutions to the problem.
Dr Hlovor pointed out that accepting the donation could allow South African authorities and businesses to claim responsibility for supporting victims, thereby avoiding a deeper conversation about their role in condemning and addressing the attacks. He described the proposed donation as potentially being part of "backdoor channels" meant to help South Africa manage the damage to its international image.
Furthermore, Dr Hlovor noted that South African authorities have previously called on other African countries to bear the cost of repatriating their citizens affected by the attacks. Consequently, it would be challenging to separate any donations made by South African-linked entities from broader diplomatic and reputational considerations.
He stressed that the issue goes beyond the immediate financial benefit of the GH¢20 million, as accepting the money may seem sensible from an economic perspective but could undermine Ghana's diplomatic pressure for a permanent solution.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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