MTN Slams Xenophobic Attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa
The recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa have left two people dead, sparking widespread condemnation from local and international communities. MTN Ghana, one of the country's leading telecoms operators, has now weighed in on the issue, with its Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, denouncing the attacks in the strongest possible terms.
MTN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks
According to Dr. Yamson, MTN Ghana does not support the acts carried out by some South Africans, which resulted in the deaths of two Ghanaians. The company's chairman described the attacks as "despicable" and "condemned by the Group Chairman of MTN". Dr. Yamson emphasized that MTN Ghana has disassociated itself from the acts completely, stating that "we, MTN Ghana, condemned it unreservedly".
The Chairman of MTN Ghana explained that the company could not come out initially to condemn the xenophobic attacks because it was initially working through the South African Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, which had first issued a statement. Dr. Yamson noted that MTN Ghana is a Ghanaian company, with 98 percent of its employees being Ghanaians, and more than 120,000 Ghanaians owning shares in the company.
The Issue of Free Trade and Integration
Dr. Yamson alluded that the xenophobic attacks are an issue of the headquarters of MTN being located in South Africa. He concluded that "South Africa cannot talk about free trade and integration and do these things that actually affect the movement of goods and persons in the region". This statement highlights the tension between the ideals of free trade and integration, and the harsh realities of xenophobia and racism in some parts of the world.
Targeting South African Companies in Ghana?
On the push to target some South African companies in Ghana, Dr. Yamson noted that this would be unfortunate. He emphasized that MTN Ghana has a significant presence in the country, with a large number of Ghanaian shareholders and employees. Dr. Yamson revealed that at the group level, there are more American shareholders than South Africans.
The xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa are a stark reminder of the dangers of xenophobia and racism. As MTN Ghana continues to condemn the attacks and disassociate itself from the perpetrators, the Ghanaian government and other stakeholders must take concrete steps to address the root causes of these attacks and promote a culture of tolerance and understanding. The future of free trade and integration in the region depends on it.
Source: Joy Online
