The Government of Ghana has declined an offer from MTN Ghana to donate GHS20 million for Ghanaian victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, even as new data shows inflation in building costs slowing sharply.
In a press statement issued on August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Mahama Administration had already made adequate provision for evacuations and reintegration of affected citizens. The Ministry noted that this position had earlier been conveyed directly to MTN’s Board Chair, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, and CEO during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the statement read, adding that government will publish a comprehensive account of evacuation costs once the exercise concludes, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Statistical Service has reported a marked slowdown in building cost inflation. The July 2026 Prime Building Cost Index shows year‑on‑year inflation at 4.0 percent, down from 14.2 percent a year earlier. Month‑on‑month figures recorded a modest 0.3 percent rise between June and July, signaling steady prices.
Plumbing fittings saw the fastest price rise at 25.3 percent, while cement and steel prices fell by 9.8 percent and 8.9 percent respectively, providing relief to contractors. Materials, which account for more than three‑quarters of the construction basket, rose 5.1 percent over the year, but plant costs surged 18.0 percent, flagged as the main risk.
Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu urged households to budget with current prices and build in phases, businesses to manage exposure to tools and equipment, and government to fast‑track project delivery and strengthen artisan skills.
Together, the developments underscore both the government’s emphasis on humanitarian priorities abroad and its focus on stabilizing domestic economic conditions.
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