The MTN Ghana Foundation has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to healthcare delivery and emergency response in Ghana, organising a large-scale blood donation exercise at Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (KASS) as part of its annual Valentine’s Day activities.
The exercise, held on February 13, 2026, forms part of the Foundation’s flagship “Save A Life” campaign, a nationwide initiative that has been running for more than 15 years in collaboration with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Blood Bank and other key health partners.
The annual campaign, which coincides with Valentine’s Day celebrations, has become one of the most impactful corporate health interventions in Ghana, helping to replenish blood stocks and strengthen healthcare delivery systems across the country.
“Blood is the Ultimate Gift” — MTN Northern Sector Manager
Speaking at the event, the Northern Sector Manager of MTN Ghana, Nii Adotey Mingle, described the blood donation drive as a meaningful expression of love and compassion.
“The most precious gift you can give a person is life, and this Valentine’s Day, blood is the ultimate gift,” he said.
Mr. Mingle explained that the initiative seeks to promote voluntary blood donation, especially among young people, and to build a culture of regular donation to support hospitals in times of crisis.
He disclosed that the Foundation has set an ambitious national target of 7,000 units of blood for this year’s campaign, with both the Northern and Southern sectors aiming to contribute about 3,500 units each.
Over the years, he noted, the “Save A Life” campaign has consistently met or even exceeded its targets, reflecting growing public participation and the increasing relevance of the initiative.
Strict Medical Screening Ensures Donor Safety
The exercise at KASS was carried out under strict medical supervision, with health professionals from KATH conducting comprehensive screening of each donor.
Donors had their vital signs and overall health assessed before being cleared to donate, ensuring that all safety protocols were fully observed.
Following donation, participants were provided with refreshment packs to aid recovery, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to donor welfare and responsible health practice.
Strengthening Hospitals and Emergency Response Systems
The blood collected from the exercise will be supplied to KATH and other health facilities across the region, including remote hospitals supported through Zipline medical drone delivery services.
This approach ensures that blood reaches areas where shortages are often severe, improving emergency response systems and routine healthcare delivery nationwide.
Corporate Support Key to National Blood Stability — KATH
The Head of the Transfusion Medicine Unit at KATH, Dr. Lesley Osei, stressed the importance of sustained partnerships between corporate organisations and healthcare institutions in stabilising Ghana’s blood supply.
“Our goal is to ensure blood is always available at KATH, so we do not have to make urgent appeals during accidents,” she stated.
Dr. Osei explained that reliable blood availability is essential not only for accident victims but also for patients undergoing surgeries, mothers facing childbirth complications, and individuals battling chronic illnesses.
Ghana Still Below WHO Recommended Blood Collection Levels
Despite efforts by hospitals and partners, Ghana continues to face significant blood supply challenges.
Current national statistics show that Ghana’s blood collection index stands at 5.8 units per 1,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 10 units per 1,000.
With voluntary donations accounting for only a fraction of national demand, initiatives such as MTN’s “Save A Life” campaign remain crucial in bridging the gap.
A Personal Story Behind the Donation
For many donors, the exercise carried deep personal meaning beyond the symbolic Valentine gesture.
One participant, Christian Blankson, shared that his decision to donate blood was inspired by a painful experience of loss, and that giving blood offered him an opportunity to help others avoid similar tragedy.
His story reflected the human impact of the campaign, which continues to transform lives through collective action and compassion.
Expanding Impact Across Ashanti Region
Beyond the KASS exercise, MTN Ghana Foundation replicated the blood donation drive on the same day at Barekese Senior High School and Jachie Pramso Senior High School, demonstrating its strategy of scaling impact through coordinated, multi-site engagement.
This nationwide approach ensures that more communities benefit from the initiative while encouraging youth participation across the educational sector.
A Life-Saving Valentine Message
As Ghana continues to grapple with blood shortages, the MTN Ghana Foundation’s Valentine blood donation campaign stands as a powerful reminder that corporate social responsibility can translate into tangible, life-saving outcomes.
By turning Valentine’s Day into an opportunity for national service, the Foundation has reinforced the message that love is not only expressed through gifts and words, but also through actions that save lives.
The “Save A Life” campaign remains a beacon of hope in Ghana’s healthcare landscape, proving that a single unit of blood can make the difference between life and death.
