MTN Ghana Foundation Marks 15th Annual Valentine’s Day Blood Donation Exercise in Northern Region with Over 500 Pints of Blood
The MTN Ghana Foundation has marked its 15th annual Valentine’s Day blood donation exercise in the Northern Region as part of its nationwide “Save a Life” campaign. This year’s exercise was held simultaneously at Tamale Senior High School (Tamasco), Tamale Islamic Senior High School, and Bimbilla Senior High School, yielding a total of 525 units of blood from the three centres.
Since the initiative began 15 years ago, MTN Ghana has collected 26,620 units of blood to support the National Blood Service and regional blood banks across the country.
Supporting Healthcare Through Blood Donation
Speaking to the media, Richard Asamane, Territory Sales Controller for MTN Ghana, said the annual exercise has become a major contributor to blood supply nationwide.
“It’s been 15 years since we started the annual blood donation exercise in support of the National Blood Bank. Every year, we do it on the 14th of February, now dubbed the ‘Save a Life Campaign’.”
He noted that mass donation remains the most reliable strategy for ensuring hospitals have adequate blood supply.
“The most effective way to get blood to supply regional blood banks and support the healthcare system is through mass donation exercises. Together, we have collected 26,620 units of blood over the past 15 years.”
Mr. Asamane added that the timing of the exercise is particularly crucial as the region prepares for Ramadan, a period when voluntary blood donation usually drops significantly.
“This exercise comes very timely as we move into Ramadan, a period when the regional blood bank is always in dire need of blood because donors are fewer.”
Tamale Teaching Hospital Commends MTN’s Support
The Chief Blood Donor Organizer at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) commended MTN Ghana Foundation for consistently supporting the hospital, especially during the fasting season when the facility experiences increased shortages.
He described blood as the lifeline of the hospital’s operations.
“For the past three years, this exercise has coincided with the fasting period during which we use a lot of blood and record the highest shortages. This donation will cushion the bank and help prevent shortages.”
He stressed that demand remains high due to cases involving pregnant women, accident victims, and children.
“We always call on organizations and benevolent groups to support like MTN is doing. One pint of blood can save two or three lives, especially babies.”
Students Eager to Save Lives
Students who participated in the exercise expressed excitement, noting that donating blood offers them the opportunity to save lives and potentially benefit from blood support in future if needed.
Blood Units Collected
Tamasco – 273 units
Tamale Islamic SHS – 200 units
Bimbilla SHS – 52 units The MTN Ghana Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Blood Service and strengthening healthcare delivery by ensuring that health facilities across the country have reliable blood supplies.
Source: Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/zaaghana.com
