By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
The Transfusion Medicine Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has commended MTN Ghana for sustaining its annual Valentine’s Day blood donation campaign, describing it as a critical intervention in strengthening emergency healthcare delivery.
This year’s exercise was held on February 13, 2026, at Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (KASS), where students turned out in large numbers to donate blood in support of national reserves.
The initiative forms part of MTN’s long-running “Save A Life” campaign.
Head of the Transfusion Medicine Unit at KATH, Dr. Lesley Osei, said consistent corporate-led drives are essential in preventing shortages, especially during accidents, surgeries and maternal emergencies.
“Our goal is to ensure blood is always available at KATH, so we do not have to make urgent appeals during accidents,” she stated.
Ghana’s blood collection index remains at 5.8 units per 1,000 people, well below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 10 units per 1,000.
Health professionals warn that the gap places pressure on hospitals, particularly referral facilities such as KATH, which handles emergency cases from across the middle and northern belts of the country.
Northern Sector Manager of MTN Ghana, Nii Adotey Mingle, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting national healthcare needs through voluntary blood donation.
“The most precious gift you can give a person is life, and this Valentine’s Day, blood is the ultimate gift,” he said.
According to Mr. Mingle, MTN has collaborated with KATH’s Blood Bank and other partners for more than 15 years to organise nationwide donation drives.
The company is targeting 7,000 units of blood this year, with the Northern and Southern sectors each aiming to mobilise about 3,500 units.
Medical staff at the KASS event screened all prospective donors, checking vital signs and haemoglobin levels to ensure safe donations. Students who successfully donated were given refreshment packs to support recovery.
Beyond KATH, the collected blood will also be distributed to satellite hospitals and Zipline-supported health facilities serving remote communities, broadening access to life-saving transfusion services.
For student donor Christian Blankson, the exercise carried deep personal meaning. He shared that his mother once needed blood but could not access it in time.
“Donating blood may not help today, but it could save a life tomorrow,” he said.
The Valentine’s Day drive was replicated at Barekese and Jachie Pramso Senior High Schools, reinforcing the message that sustainable partnerships between the private sector and healthcare institutions are key to closing Ghana’s blood supply gap and safeguarding lives.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
