The Minister for Health has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing blood safety and availability as part of its healthcare reforms under the Mahama Cares initiative.

The Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing blood safety and availability as part of its healthcare reforms under the Mahama Cares initiative. Speaking at the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day 2025, which had the global theme “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives,” Mr. Akandoh emphasized the importance of ensuring that no life is lost due to blood shortages.

The Minister revealed that measures are being explored to reduce the financial burden on patients, including the potential removal of blood processing fees. He urged all Ghanaians aged 17 to 60 to donate blood regularly and encouraged public and private institutions to organize at least two blood drives annually.

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service, Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, noted that Ghana collected 187,280 units of blood in 2024, representing 99% of its national target. Over 45,000 units were processed into blood components to meet the growing demand for safe and timely transfusions. However, Dr. Owusu-Ofori highlighted persistent challenges, including limited donation infrastructure, inadequate mobile collection vans, and funding gaps for a digital Blood Information Management System.

Dr. Owusu-Ofori advocated for the establishment of Regional Blood Centres across the country and the implementation of a sustainable, fully funded National Blood Donor Programme. As part of the celebrations, nationwide blood drives, public education campaigns, and media outreach activities will be held to encourage regular donations and raise awareness. The Minister and Dr. Owusu-Ofori called for increased public participation, particularly among the youth, to celebrate the life-saving contributions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors across the country.