YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson highlights local U.S. initiatives after criticism over charity investment in cocoa-growing communities affected by child labour
New Delhi, September 23. (SDNA)
Popular YouTuber and philanthropist MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has responded to criticism surrounding a charity project in Ghana estimated to involve around $10 million in investment. The initiative focuses on communities dependent on cocoa farming, where child labour has remained a long-standing concern.
The project drew attention on social media after some users questioned why such a large amount was being spent in Ghana instead of being directed toward poverty and social needs in MrBeast’s home city of Greenville, North Carolina.
In response, MrBeast pointed to the charitable activities carried out by his organisation Beast Philanthropy across the United States, including programmes supporting people facing food insecurity.
Village Project Built in Ghana
The initiative has resulted in the development of Abna Dukwa village in Ghana’s Eastern Region, with the project designed to support communities whose livelihoods are closely linked to cocoa production.
The reported $10 million development includes a range of community facilities. These include a school serving more than 300 students, accommodation for teachers, a medical clinic, a community market, clean drinking-water infrastructure, solar power systems and improved agricultural facilities.
The project also reportedly includes a five-year free-meal programme for students, supported in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation.
Social Media Criticism Triggers Response
Discussion around the project intensified after a user on X questioned why MrBeast had directed a major charitable investment overseas when poverty also exists in his own community.
MrBeast responded by referring to the work undertaken by Beast Philanthropy in the United States. He said the organisation supports local communities as well as people in other parts of the country through food assistance and other programmes.
He also indicated that the scale of the organisation’s domestic charitable activities could not be fully detailed in a single social media post.
Food Assistance Through Beast Pantry
According to figures cited in reports about the programme, Beast Pantry has distributed millions of meals since its launch. The initiative has reportedly reached around 15.8 million people through its food-support efforts.
The organisation is also reported to be providing monthly food assistance to approximately 80,000 people across more than 20 communities in Greenville and eastern North Carolina.
Why Child Labour Remains a Concern in Cocoa Communities
Ghana, along with neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, is among the world’s major cocoa-producing regions. Poverty, limited household incomes and gaps in access to essential services have contributed to concerns over children becoming involved in agricultural work.
The five-year Ghana initiative is aimed at supporting 11 cocoa-producing communities, with its programmes focusing on education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water, livelihoods and agricultural development.
The broader objective is to strengthen community infrastructure and expand opportunities for children so that education can take precedence over hazardous or exploitative work.
Debate Highlights Different Approaches to Philanthropy
The controversy surrounding the Ghana project has also revived a broader discussion about international philanthropy—whether charitable resources should primarily address needs in an organisation’s local community or be directed toward regions facing specific and severe social challenges.
MrBeast’s response highlighted his organisation’s domestic programmes while defending the broader scope of its charitable activities. The Ghana project, meanwhile, is being presented as a long-term community-development effort linking education, healthcare, food security and economic opportunities in areas affected by challenges associated with child labour.
— SDNA