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In a continued effort to address Ghana’s critical blood shortage, the MTN Ghana Foundation successfully hosted its annual ‘Save a Life’ blood donation initiative on February 14, 2025.
The campaign, which took place across all 16 regions, aimed to bolster national blood reserves and save countless lives.
Ghana’s current blood collection index stands at a concerning 5.8 units per 1,000 people—well below the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum of 10 units per 1,000. Recognising this alarming gap, the MTN Ghana Foundation established 42 donation centres nationwide, setting a goal to collect 6,110 units of blood.
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Speaking at the event, the Acting Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Nana Kofi Asare, emphasised the importance of voluntary blood donation.
“As we mark Valentine’s Day, we at MTN Ghana Foundation believe that the gift of life is the greatest act of love. Blood donation plays a vital role in healthcare, ensuring that patients in need receive timely transfusions.
This initiative has been a game-changer, and we remain committed to its growth,” he stated.
He further encouraged Ghanaians to embrace blood donation as a civic duty and a symbol of compassion. “Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save multiple lives. Let’s make this a habit, not just an annual event,” he urged.
MTN Ghana extended its deepest gratitude to the volunteers, healthcare professionals, and donors who contributed to the 2025 blood drive. With continued public engagement, the initiative aims to expand further and eliminate preventable deaths due to blood shortages.
The CEO of the National Blood Service, Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, commended MTN Ghana for its unwavering commitment to addressing Ghana’s blood supply deficit.
“What started as an internal MTN staff initiative has grown into a national movement. Since its inception in 2011, this project has generated over 29,000 units of blood, significantly supporting hospitals and emergency cases. Last year alone, it collected 5,901 units,” she noted.
Dr. Owusu-Ofori stressed the need for increased voluntary blood donations to sustain the healthcare system. “A steady blood supply is crucial for saving women experiencing childbirth complications, children suffering from anaemia due to sickle cell disease and malaria, accident victims, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those requiring emergency surgeries.”
Despite the impact of initiatives like ‘Save a Life,’ Ghana remains below the WHO-recommended blood donation threshold, with only six out of every 1,000 people donating regularly. She encouraged the public to view blood donation as a national priority.
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician Frank Tahoe, popularly known as Perezmusik, shared a heartfelt story about his personal struggles, revealing that he spends over GHS 2,000 weekly on hospital bills to support his ailing mother.
He underscored the importance of voluntary blood donations, calling on the public to contribute to such lifesaving causes.
The MTN ‘Save a Life’ Campaign is an annual Valentine’s Day blood donation drive organised by the MTN Ghana Foundation. It provides MTN employees and the general public with an opportunity to donate blood to replenish the National Blood Bank and support regional hospitals.
Since its launch in 2011 in response to an appeal from the National Blood Service, the initiative has successfully collected over 29,000 units of blood, making a substantial impact on Ghana’s healthcare system.
With sustained public participation and corporate support, the campaign aims to continue expanding and ensuring that every Ghanaian in need of blood gets timely assistance.
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