The National Blood Service has commended MTN Ghana Foundation and CalBank for their landmark partnership that exceeded expectations during the 2026 Save a Life blood donation drive, collecting 7,020 units of blood, surpassing the ambitious 7,000-unit target.
Shirley Phyllis Owusu-Ofori, CEO of the National Blood Service, applauded MTN’s unwavering support, describing it as a “game changer” for Ghana’s healthcare sector and expressing appreciation for MTN’s partnership with CalBank. “Our vision is to create a system built entirely upon voluntary blood donation, since regular voluntary donors represent the safest and most reliable blood supply. I am genuinely gratified by the MTN Ghana Foundation’s ongoing dedication over the years to advancing the internationally recognised gold standard in blood donation,” she stated.
The nationwide blood donation exercise, aimed at strengthening the reserves of the National Blood Service Ghana and regional hospitals across all 16 regions of Ghana, took place on Friday, February 13, 2026. A total of 47 designated donation centers were activated nationwide, with major hubs at MTN House, the MobileMoney LTD Office (Stanchart Building), and the CalBank Head Office in Ridge, Accra.
Reflecting on his personal experience prior to the exercise, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, highlighted the significance of blood donation by recounting a meaningful story. “I have witnessed first-hand the lifesaving impact of donating blood. While living in South Africa, I received an urgent request to donate blood for an accident victim and I responded immediately because my blood type is rare. We all understand that a reliable blood supply is essential for managing emergencies, disaster preparedness and maintaining high standards of healthcare. Even routine medical procedures can become hazardous if blood is not readily available. I had to stop what I was doing to donate blood, knowing it would save a life of someone in need and I am proud to have played a part in that,” he said.
Mr. Blewett, while acknowledging the ambitious initial 7,000-unit goal, he challenged MTN Ghana customers and the wider public to aim higher. “He said, with nearly 30 million customers, we can certainly do more. Seven thousand is the minimum. From now on, we should target 10,000 units.”
CEO of CalBank, Carl Asem, described the collaboration as a natural alignment of shared values, stressing that the private sector’s responsibility must extend beyond financial services to safeguarding human life.
“This is not just corporate social responsibility. We are actively strengthening Ghana’s public health infrastructure. CalBank is fully committed to growing this initiative into an even more impactful annual intervention,” he stated.
Reflecting on the remarkable success of the exercise, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, emphasised the significance of this inaugural partnership between institutions. She commended the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of staff volunteers and Ghanaians whose efforts were pivotal in achieving the campaign’s goals.
“We are all acutely aware of the urgent need for blood in hospitals. Donating blood can save a life tomorrow, perhaps even your own or that of someone close to you. Meaningful change is seldom achieved in isolation and our partnership with CalBank truly made a tangible difference. It is this spirit of unity and collaboration that forms the foundation of a thriving nation,” she concluded.
Inspired by the challenge, the target for the Save A Life blood donation exercise will be elevated setting an impressive goal of 10,000 units of blood for future donation drives. This renewed commitment aims to further fortify Ghana’s national blood reserves, ensuring that even more lives can be saved through collective action and generosity.
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