Ghana Rejects MTN Financial Support For Victims Of Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa

The Government of Ghana has declined a GHS20 million donation offered by MTN Ghana to support Ghanaian victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying it has already made adequate financial provision for the evacuation and reintegration of affected citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued in Accra on Wednesday said it had become aware of media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing to donate GHS20 million to Ghanaian victims of the attacks.

According to the ministry, the reports appeared to attribute the announcement of the intended donation to an interview granted by the MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson.

While acknowledging the gesture, the government said it had decided not to accept the financial support.

“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the John Mahama Administration had already made adequate provision for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that the Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer,” it said.

The ministry further disclosed that the government’s position had previously been communicated directly to MTN’s leadership during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), on August 14, 2026.

“This position of the Government of Ghana had earlier been directly conveyed to the Board Chair and CEO of MTN when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on August 14, 2026,” the statement said.

The government, however, stressed that it remained committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Ghanaians being brought back from areas where they faced danger.

“Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana remains fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way,” the ministry said.

It also pledged to disclose the total expenditure incurred on the evacuation exercise after its completion, describing the planned disclosure as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures that it will present to the general public a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations as soon as the exercise is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability,” it added.

The government also sought to reassure international businesses operating in Ghana that it would continue to support their operations irrespective of their countries of origin.

“Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from,” the ministry said.

It added: “The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority.”

The government’s decision comes amid concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with authorities undertaking evacuations and reintegration efforts for citizens brought back from harm’s way.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government’s existing arrangements were sufficient to cover the humanitarian response, making it unnecessary to accept the proposed MTN donation.

Earlier in July, fresh diplomatic tensions emerged between Ghana and South Africa after the Ghanaian government reportedly declined to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a planned state visit, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against its nationals.

The decision follows the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghana says was killed during demonstrations associated with renewed attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026.

Officials in Accra said the postponement of the visit reflects Ghana’s growing concern over the security of its citizens residing in South Africa. They maintained that ensuring the safety of Ghanaians abroad must take precedence over high-level diplomatic engagements.

President Ramaphosa had been expected in Ghana during the first week of August for a state visit aimed at reinforcing the longstanding relationship between both countries. The visit was also expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral cooperation and concerns surrounding attacks on foreign nationals.

Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Nyesom Wike has been taking loans without the approval of the national assembly.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, the senator said she had raised concerns with the senate leadership over the FCT minister’s borrowings.

“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.

Kingibe said FCT budgets are usually presented to the senate through the relevant committee for consideration before being approved by the upper legislative chamber.

She, however, alleged that Wike had never sought legislative approval for the loans he obtained for the nation’s capital.

“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the national assembly. I don’t know about the house, but certainly not the senate,” she said.

The senator said she became aware of the loans after reviewing information from the Debt Management Office (DMO) covering borrowings from August 2023 to March 2026.

Kingibe challenged anyone disputing her claim to provide evidence that Wike appeared before the national assembly to seek approval for the loans.

“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the national assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.

Kingibe added that President Bola Tinubu, from whom Wike derives his powers, submits requests for loans and appointments to the national assembly, adding that Wike’s powers could not exceed those of the commander-in-chief.

US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags across the country to be flown at half-staff for one week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton.

Trump made the announcement on Tuesday, August 25, as tributes continued to pour in for Parton, who died in Nashville at the age of 80.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, ever, has just passed away. This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will. In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6 p.m. Rest in peace, Dolly! The world loves you. President Donald J. Trump.”

Parton’s death was announced by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, in a video shared on social media.

The Tennessee-born singer had a career spanning seven decades and became one of the most influential figures in country music, while also establishing herself as a songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.

Although Parton generally stayed away from political controversies, she had previously disclosed that she turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice during Trump’s first administration.

Speaking to the Today show in 2021, Parton explained her decision, saying: “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,”

She added: “Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure.”

Parton devoted much of her career to charitable causes, including childhood literacy through her Imagination Library programme, which has distributed millions of books to children.

She established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 and later created the Dolly Parton Scholarship for students from her home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

She also supported communities affected by disasters, including donating funds to victims of the devastating East Tennessee wildfires. In 2017, she donated $1 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Parton was recognised across the music industry for her extraordinary career. She was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recorded 25 No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

She also received 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations.

An official statement released following her death described the impact of her life and career.

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”