Cape coast: Ghana's leading mobile network operator, MTN Ghana, has organised health screening exercises in three communities in the Central Region to help restock two major blood banks in the region. The exercises took place at the Academy of Christ the King Senior High School in Cape Coast, Kwegyir Aggrey Senior High/Technical School in Anomabo, and the Winneba Nursing Training College in Winneba.
According to Ghana News Agency, the blood collected from these exercises will be used to replenish the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) and the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital blood banks, aligning with the spirit of Valentine's Day as an act of giving. The 'Save A Life' blood donation campaign is an annual initiative by MTN Ghana aimed at restocking blood banks during Valentine's period to address shortages in emergency situations. This year, MTN Ghana is targeting the collection of at least 7,000 pints of blood nationwide.
The donation centres in the Central Region saw significant participation, with a large number of students volunteering to donate blood. Cynthia Mills, Economic Empowerment Advisor of the MTN Ghana Foundation, noted the ongoing challenges faced by blood banks, which often result in loss of lives. She emphasized MTN Ghana's commitment to supporting blood banks and the health sector and encouraged citizens to donate blood regularly.
Mr. Samuel Odua Quarmyne of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Blood Bank highlighted the urgent need for constant blood replenishment, as their current stock could only manage a few emergencies. He urged citizens to donate at least once a year and assured that all donations undergo thorough screening for various diseases, with only a subsidized processing fee charged to patients.
Mr. Quarmyne also expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana for their continued support over the years, including the construction of a new building for their department.