IMANI Urges South African Firms to Show Greater Commitment in Ghana
Policy analyst and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has called on South African companies operating in Ghana to demonstrate stronger commitment to their host countries, arguing that firms benefiting significantly from African markets must do more to support local communities and respond to social concerns.
In comments shared on social media, Bentil said his ongoing advocacy against the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease in Ghana had opened broader discussions on the responsibilities of multinational companies operating across the continent, particularly South African-owned firms.
He noted that while South African investments in Ghana, including in mining, banking, telecommunications and insurance have contributed significantly to tax revenue, employment and broader economic activity, recent developments in South Africa had raised questions about corporate accountability.
Bentil referenced reported attacks on African migrants in South Africa, arguing that companies with operations across the continent had not done enough to respond to or support affected individuals.
“South African companies need to be more sensitive to the citizens of the countries they operate within,” he said, adding that their response so far had been “appalling” and “disconnected” from communities that support their profitability.
He stressed, however, that he was not advocating a complete withdrawal of South African businesses from Ghana, warning that such a move would carry economic consequences for both sides.
“Gold Fields is one of the largest taxpayers in Ghana, and South African companies are among the biggest taxpayer blocs,” he noted. “There will be losses on both sides.”
Instead, Bentil called for a recalibration of corporate behaviour, urging firms to deepen local participation through increased procurement from domestic suppliers, expansion of local ownership structures, and stronger community investment programmes.
He also proposed that multinational companies establish support mechanisms for affected migrants, including emergency relief funds, legal assistance initiatives, and public condemnation of xenophobic violence where it occurs.
Bentil suggested that relatively modest financial commitments from large corporations could have meaningful impact if coordinated effectively.
He further argued that companies such as MTN, Gold Fields, Stanbic Bank and other South African-linked businesses should strengthen their integration into local economies by increasing listings on domestic stock exchanges and enhancing their visibility in community development efforts.
The remarks come amid growing public debate in Ghana over foreign ownership in strategic sectors and renewed scrutiny of mining lease arrangements, particularly involving Gold Fields’ Tarkwa operations.
South African firms remain among the largest foreign investors in Ghana, with interests spanning telecommunications, banking, mining, retail and media, and are significant contributors to employment and government revenue.
Bentil’s intervention adds to a broader continental conversation on economic nationalism, corporate responsibility and the balance between attracting foreign investment and ensuring equitable local benefit.
He concluded that the long-term legitimacy of multinational companies in African markets will increasingly depend on how well they align with the expectations and welfare of host communities.
