Kumasi: The MTN Ghana Foundation recently organized a significant blood donation exercise at KASS, engaging students, partners, and the public to bolster the National Blood Bank's reserves. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Blood Service, aims to enhance blood supply for both emergency and routine medical care throughout the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nii Adotey Mingle, the General Manager of the Northern Business District of MTN Ghana, emphasized the importance of voluntary blood donation as a lifesaving act. Mingle stated, "This is one of the best gifts you can give any human being. If someone in need receives blood early and recovers, then we have done something meaningful." He revealed that the nationwide target for this year is 7,000 units of blood and expressed confidence in meeting and possibly exceeding this goal, as has been achieved in previous years. Over the last 15 years, MTN Ghana Foundation has mobilized donors to contribute more than 26,000 units, establishing it as one of the largest corporate supporters of voluntary blood donation in Ghana.
Although the exercise at KASS primarily focused on students, Mr. Mingle stressed that the campaign invites participation from all Ghanaians. "When young people are gathered in school settings like this, they can make time to donate, but this initiative is for everyone," he noted.
Dr. Lesley Osei, Head of the Transfusion Medicine Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), elaborated on the ongoing demand for blood in healthcare. She explained, "Blood cannot be manufactured or bought, making regular voluntary donations critical. If our daily requirement is 80 units and we have 75, it is insufficient. Even 600 units lasts only about two weeks. We are always in need." Dr. Osei praised MTN Ghana as the hospital's largest supporter in blood drives, acknowledging the annual exercise as a reliable source of supply. She also mentioned that while misconceptions about blood donation exist, continuous education has improved public participation.
The KASS exercise is a part of MTN Ghana Foundation's established Valentine's season blood donation campaign, which continuously rallies individuals and institutions to donate blood and save lives.