You can’t talk integration and treat Africa like toilet roll – Dr Yamson blasts South African politicians

Economist and Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, Dr Ishmael Yamson, has condemned the xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans in South Africa.

The business magnate described the conduct as incompatible with the country’s push for African integration.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Thursday, Dr Yamson said South African politicians could not promote investment and continental integration while allowing Africans in the country to be subjected to hostility and violence.

“I am particularly angry because the politicians in South Africa should have known that they cannot talk about integration, invest, encourage their country's corporations to invest in Africa, and at the same time, treat the rest of Africa as if it’s their toilet roll they can walk on any time they like.”

His comments come amid growing concerns over attacks on African migrants in South Africa, including Ghanaians, and the return of some affected Ghanaians to the country.

Dr Yamson also rejected claims that corporate institutions in South Africa had remained silent over the attacks.

He said the MTN Group chairman had condemned the violence, while the South Africa Ghana Business Chamber had also issued a statement.

He, however, admitted that MTN Ghana should have issued its own statement earlier.

“I apologise that we haven’t done that.” Dr Yamson stressed that MTN Ghana should not be associated with the actions of perpetrators in South Africa.

“MTN Ghana is a corporate citizen of Ghana. It is not MTN South Africa.”

He said the company has more than 120,000 Ghanaian shareholders and that the overwhelming majority of its employees and dealers are Ghanaian.

Dr Yamson also condemned calls for Ghanaians to retaliate against South African-linked businesses operating in Ghana.

He said such action would only hurt Ghanaian workers, shareholders and the wider economy.

“But well, that will be a genuine feeling, but it will not help us, and it’s not going to help Ghana.”

He argued that MTN Ghana had not done anything to warrant retaliation and continued to make significant contributions to Ghana’s economy.

“If you target MTN Ghana, you can target it, but at the end of the day, you are destroying something that you should protect.”

Dr Yamson said the company is also a major taxpayer and invests in social programmes across the country.

“Every year, we put 1% of our profit after tax into a foundation that we invest in social investment.”

He said MTN Ghana supports hospitals, schools, girls’ education and women’s empowerment.

“So, yes, what is happening in South Africa is bad, but we need not equate that to MTN Ghana.”

Dr Yamson further disclosed that MTN Ghana had committed GH¢10 million to support Ghanaians returning from South Africa.

He said the company initially considered using the money as immediate support but later decided to establish a more sustainable intervention to help returnees rebuild their lives.

He admitted that the company should have moved faster but said the support had not been abandoned.

“We have not forgotten. We will do it. We’ll do it in a big way. We’ll do it in a way that will make more meaning.”

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.