Tension Rises in Ghana as Protesters Storm MTN Headquarters, Demand Exit of South African Businesses

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh tensions emerged in Ghana on Thursday after demonstrators under the banner of the “South Africa Must Go” campaign marched to the headquarters of MTN Ghana in Accra, demanding the departure of South African businesses from the country.

The protesters gathered in large numbers and moved to the telecommunications company’s head office amid growing anger over recent xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa.

Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans as they approached the MTN Ghana premises in the Ghanaian capital.

The protest forms part of the wider “South Africa Must Go” campaign, which has gained momentum in recent days. Organisers say the movement is a response to reports of xenophobic attacks and killings targeting African migrants in South Africa.

The development comes weeks after Ghana began evacuating some of its citizens from South Africa following renewed tensions linked to anti-foreigner violence.

On May 27, 2026, the first batch of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa arrived in Accra. The Ghanaian government assured the returnees that they would receive support and would not be treated as refugees.

While welcoming about 300 evacuees, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the government had put measures in place to assist those returning home.

“You are not going to arrive in Ghana as if you are orphans,” Ablakwa said. “You arrive, you are a hero’s welcome. The Chief of Staff himself has called me to say that he would love to join me to receive you.”

He also disclosed that senior government officials would be present to receive the returnees.

“And he will be there leading a high-powered government delegation to receive all of you,” he said.

The minister further stated, “You have seen the arrangements that the President has made. We have met and discussed a five-item package that everybody will be entitled to.”

Although he did not provide details of the package, Ablakwa said the government’s response reflected its commitment to protecting and supporting Ghanaian citizens abroad.

“We want to show the world that we cherish our nationals. Our citizens matter to us,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the evacuees should be regarded as displaced persons.

“You are not refugees. You are not some destitutes. Ghana is not some war zone where we cannot take care of our own. Ghana is a place to be,” he added.

The minister praised Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming country, noting that many foreigners continue to choose the country as a destination.

“And that’s why many, many foreigners are trooping to Ghana… they always feel at home,” he said.

He assured the returnees that they would continue to be treated with dignity upon their arrival.

“We will accept you as royals,” Ablakwa said.