According to Ghana News Agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, the exercise produced 203 units of blood, which would be stocked at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Jirapa, as well as the Wa Municipal and Upper West Regional Hospitals in Wa. Mr Seth Owusu Nyamekye, the Upper West Regional Manager of MTN Ghana, stated that the region was contributing to a 6,100 units of blood target set by the telecommunication company for the initiative. He encouraged the public to develop a habit of voluntary blood donation, especially on occasions such as Valentine’s Day, to demonstrate love to humanity.
Blood donors are issued Identity Cards, enabling them to access blood for themselves or their relatives in emergency situations. The exercise is part of the MTN Foundation’s ‘Save a Life’ project, which aims to contribute to creating a robust health system in Ghana. Since its inception in 2011, the initiative has donated approximately 29,000 units of blood to hospitals nationwide.
Mr Ahmed Sahel, the Blood Donor Organiser at the Upper West Regional Hospital, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana for the initiative, highlighting its significance in stocking the blood bank for emergency service delivery. He noted that the Regional Hospital, being a referral centre for hospitals in the region, consumes at least 300 units of blood monthly, mostly for delivery cases. Mr Sahel urged the public to voluntarily donate blood at health facilities to ensure adequate blood supply.
Mr Cecil Akator, a student at DHLTU who participated in the blood donation exercise, expressed his satisfaction in contributing to saving lives. He described blood donation as a ‘lifesaving exercise,’ emphasizing the importance of having a certificate or card for accessing blood when needed. Similarly, Ms Adeline Logurah, another student at DHLTU, shared her joy in qualifying to donate on her second attempt and expressed her intention to maintain the habit.