Ghana sees MTN’s GH¢20m donation as South Africa’s ‘back-channel diplomacy’ – International relations expert
International Relations expert Dr Ishmael Hlovor says Ghana’s decision to reject a GH¢20 million donation from MTN for victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa should be understood as part of a broader diplomatic strategy.
Dr Ishmael Hlovor, an international relations expert, believes Ghana's refusal of a GH¢20 million donation from MTN is part of a larger diplomatic strategy. He claims the government sees the donation as an attempt by South Africa to improve its international image rather than addressing the root cause of xenophobic attacks. Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse, Dr Hlovor described the gesture as a form of "back-channel diplomacy" aimed at softening diplomatic pressure on South Africa.
While acknowledging that accepting the money could provide immediate financial support to victims, he argues that Ghana's decision to reject it could keep the issue of xenophobic attacks in the global spotlight. Dr Hlovor contends that Ghana wants the South African government to take concrete steps to prevent future attacks and engage openly to find sustainable solutions.
The expert also criticized South African businesses for not condemning the attacks strongly enough when they occurred. He urged them to be more vocal in condemning xenophobia in the future to avoid future incidents damaging their reputation.
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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