MTN Ghana Marks Valentine’s Day with Massive Blood Donation Drive at Kumasi Anglican SHS
Students Give the Gift of Life in Nationwide MTN Blood Drive
- The annual initiative at Kumasi Anglican SHS encouraged students to donate blood, supporting KATH Blood Bank and remote hospitals
- Over 7,000 units are targeted nationwide
- The campaign reinforces that the greatest gift this Valentine’s is giving life
MTN Ghana has organized a major blood donation exercise at the campus of Kumasi Anglican Secondary School (KASS) as part of its Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The exercise saw students generously donate blood, with MTN Ghana providing packages to help replenish their strength after donation.
Nii Adotey Mingle, Northern Sector Manager of MTN Ghana, emphasized the significance of the gesture.
“The most precious gift you can give a person is life, and this Valentine’s Day, blood is the ultimate gift.”
Mr. Mingle said for over 15 years, MTN Ghana has collaborated with corporate partners and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Blood Bank to organize nationwide blood donation drives.
He revealed that the foundation sets an ambitious target of 7,000 units annually, often exceeding expectations. “This year, the Northern and Southern sectors each aim to collect around 3,500 units.”
According to him Medical personnel carefully screened each donor, checking vitals and overall health to ensure the process was safe.
Mr. Mingle noted that The blood collected during these drives is distributed not only to KATH but also to zipline and satellite hospitals in remote areas, underscoring the program’s nationwide impact.
Dr. Lesley Osei, head of the KATH Transfusion Medicine Unit, noted that these drives are crucial in maintaining a steady supply of blood for emergencies and routine medical needs.
“Our goal is to ensure blood is always available at KATH, so we do not have to make urgent appeals during accidents,” she said.
Christian Blankson, one of the student donors, shared his personal motivation: “Many people need blood, and it is very expensive. My mother once needed blood to survive but didn’t get it, and she passed away. Donating blood may not help today, but it could save a life tomorrow.”
The MTN Ghana Foundation, established in November 2007, operates under three pillars: health, education, and economic empowerment. The blood donation drive is a flagship initiative under its Save A Life campaign, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to health.
Ghana’s current blood collection index stands at 5.8 units per 1,000 people, below the WHO-recommended minimum of 10 units per 1,000. Voluntary donations in 2022 accounted for only 25% of the national requirement, making initiatives like MTN’s Valentine’s drive critical to saving lives.
This year, the Valentine’s Day campaign served as a reminder that giving blood is not just an act of generosity but a tangible way to show love to the community.
