Ghana did right by rejecting MTN’s GH¢20m offer – MC Yaa Yeboah
Media personality and outspoken social commentator MC Yaa Yeboah has backed the government’s decision to reject MTN Ghana’s GH¢20 million support package for Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Speaking on United Showbiz, Yaa Yeboah argued that accepting the money would have weakened the message Ghana was sending in response to the attacks.
According to her, government’s decision to turn down the offer was the right approach and should be seen as a strong statement against the treatment of Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa.
“The government has done good to reject the offer rather than accept it,” Yaa Yeboah stated.
Her comments follow MTN Ghana’s announcement that it had increased its proposed support package for affected Ghanaians from GH¢10 million to GH¢20 million.
MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, disclosed the company’s decision, explaining that the initial GH¢10 million was intended as a “welcome back” package for Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
The telecommunications company subsequently added another GH¢10 million to establish a longer-term fund to support affected returnees as they sought to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs later announced that the government had respectfully declined the offer.
Government explained that it had already made adequate financial arrangements to cater for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the xenophobic attacks.
The ministry also noted that the government’s position had been communicated to MTN Ghana’s leadership.
The decision has generated significant public discussion, with some questioning why government would reject such a substantial contribution while others believe the gesture could have been useful in supporting affected citizens.
For Yaa Yeboah, the issue goes beyond the monetary compensation.
She believes Ghana’s refusal sends a strong diplomatic and symbolic message to South Africa, particularly at a time when concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals remain high.