Ghana rejects MTN’s $1.8m donation to victims of xenophobia

Federal Government has appealed to state governments to complement its efforts to repatriate Nigerians from South Africa, urging them to assist returnees who have abandoned livelihoods and properties amid renewed concerns over xenophobic incidents in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal on Twitter, now X, while giving an update on the latest evacuation exercise.

The latest batch, being facilitated under a privately sponsored voluntary repatriation initiative by the Nigeria Private Group of Business Friends, comprises 30 adults, 34 children and one infant, accompanied by an escorting mission official.

The latest evacuation follows the return of 83 Nigerians last week under the same privately sponsored arrangement by the Nigerian Private Group of Business Friends.

The group is facilitating the exercise amid concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa, following reports of continuing xenophobic incidents and protests by groups calling for the deportation of foreign nationals.

The minister, on behalf of the Federal Government, commended the group for complementing the government’s repatriation efforts and its proactive humanitarian intervention.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also urged state governments to come to the aid of their indigenes returning from South Africa, many of whom had left behind their livelihoods and property.

She called on the states to assist the returnees with relocation and resettlement, stressing the need to help alleviate the trauma endured by Nigerians forced to return home.

Meanwhile, Ghana has declined a GHS20 million ($1.8 million) donation offered by MTN Ghana to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government has already made sufficient financial provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.

The ministry stated yesterday that the government had already made adequate financial provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks, making it unnecessary to accept MTN’s offer.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the Mahama administration, together with local partners, had already made sufficient provisions to fund the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.