MTN Ghana is preparing a GH¢20 million support package for Ghanaians returning from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, has disclosed.
The package is intended to go beyond immediate relief and help the returnees rebuild their lives and establish sustainable livelihoods after returning to Ghana.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr Yamson said MTN Ghana initially planned to spend GH¢10 million to welcome the affected Ghanaians back home.
However, the company later reconsidered the approach after recognising that short-term assistance would not adequately address the needs of the returnees.
According to Dr Yamson, the company decided to add another GH¢10 million, bringing the total support package to GH¢20 million, which will be used to establish a fund to help the returnees restart their lives.
He explained that some of the returnees were reportedly permitted to travel with only two suitcases, making it necessary to provide support that could help them rebuild their livelihoods.
Dr Yamson acknowledged that MTN Ghana should have engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier regarding the initiative.
He, however, stressed that the delay should not be interpreted as a lack of concern or empathy for the affected Ghanaians.
He said MTN Ghana had held discussions with the relevant sector authorities and remained committed to implementing the support programme.
Dr Yamson admitted that internal processes within a large organisation contributed to the delay but assured that the company had not abandoned the initiative.
He said MTN Ghana would implement the programme “in a big way” and in a manner that would have a more lasting impact on the beneficiaries.
MTN condemns xenophobic attacks
Dr Yamson strongly condemned the renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa and distanced MTN Ghana from any form of violence against African migrants.
He said the company had been concerned about the welfare of Ghanaian returnees and had been working on ways to support them.
He also acknowledged that MTN Ghana had been slower than some other corporate organisations in publicly announcing its intervention.
Dr Yamson expressed regret over the delay and commended organisations that had already provided assistance to the returnees, including Telecel and the Church of Pentecost.
The renewed violence in South Africa has affected several African migrants, including Ghanaians. Ghanaian authorities have evacuated nationals who felt unsafe, while measures are being taken to support their reintegration into Ghanaian society.
Dr Yamson said the GH¢20 million intervention was therefore intended not merely as a welcome package, but as a longer-term effort to help affected Ghanaians rebuild their livelihoods and regain economic stability.
