MTN Ghana has pledged GH¢20 million to support Ghanaians returning from South Africa in the wake of renewed xenophobic attacks. Dr. Ishmael Yamson, the company’s Board Chairman, explained that this initiative aims to help the returnees rebuild their lives and livelihoods, rather than offering only temporary relief.
In an interview with Joy News on Thursday, August 20, Dr. Yamson revealed that MTN Ghana had initially allocated GH¢10 million for the effort but decided to double the amount after recognising that the immediate needs of the returnees would not be enough to address their long-term challenges. He stated that the total GH¢20 million would be used to create a fund dedicated to helping the returnees restart their lives.
Dr. Yamson also acknowledged that MTN Ghana should have collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sooner, expressing regret over the delay in providing support. He emphasised, however, that the delay should not be seen as a lack of concern for those affected. “We will do it. We’ll do it in a big way. We’ll do it in a way that will make more meaning,” he affirmed. Dr. Yamson also condemned the attacks and clarified that MTN Ghana has no association with the violence.
“I condemn it. I completely dissociate MTN Ghana from it. We have nothing to do with it. One thing that maybe has not been visible is what we have done to support.” Dr Yamson acknowledged that MTN Ghana had been slower than some other corporate organisations in making its intervention public.
“It’s something that I regret, because we should have moved faster.” He commended companies and organisations that had already supported the returnees. “And for those who did it, Telecel and the others, I really congratulate them. Pentecost Church, I congratulate them.”
The renewed attacks in South Africa have targeted African migrants, including Ghanaians, with two Ghanaian nationals killed in separate incidents. Ghana has since evacuated over 1000 nationals who felt unsafe, while authorities have introduced measures to support their reintegration.
Dr Yamson condemned the attacks and distanced MTN Ghana from the violence, while commending organisations including Telecel and the Pentecost Church for supporting affected returnees.
