The MTN Ghana Foundation and the CalBank have collected 7,020 units of blood from across the country, exceeding the target it set for this year’s “life blood drive”.
The 2026 nationwide Save a Life blood donation, spearheaded by MTN Ghana Foundation in partnership with CalBank, collected 7,020 units of blood against the target of 7,000 units announced.
The donation aimed to strengthen the reserves of the National Blood Service (NBS) and regional hospitals across all 16 regions.
The donation was held last Friday (February 13) at 47 designated donation centres nationwide, with major hubs in Accra at the MTN House, the Calbank Head Office and the Mobile Money LTD Office, Stanchart Building.
The donation brought together MTN staff, CalBank employees, the NBS, volunteers, media representatives and members of the public.
Target
Speaking at the opening of the exercise, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, stressed the critical role of blood in healthcare, citing a personal experience.
“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,” he said.
Mr Blewett explained that the initial target for the 2026 exercise was 7,000 units of blood, but announced a stretch target of 10,000 units.
“This year, our ambitious target is to collect 7,000 units of blood. But for all my MTN colleagues, you know me, I like a bigger target. Can we aim for 10,000 units? Can we not try and do 10,000 units?” he said.
NBS commends partners
The CEO of the NBS, Dr Shirley Phyllis Owusu-Ofori, commended MTN’s unwavering support for voluntary blood donation, describing the initiative as a game changer for the country’s healthcare sector.
She expressed appreciation for MTN’s partnership with the CalBank and reiterated that voluntary blood donation remained the safest and most reliable source of blood supply.
Partnership
The CEO of CalBank, Carl Asem, described the partnership as a natural alignment of shared values, highlighting the private sector’s role in protecting life.
“This is not just corporate social responsibility.
We are actively strengthening Ghana’s public health infrastructure.
The CalBank is fully committed to growing this initiative into an even more impactful annual intervention,” he said.
Volunteerism
The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, emphasised the importance of the inaugural partnership between MTN Ghana and the CalBank PLC, describing it as a significant milestone in advancing corporate collaboration to support national healthcare delivery.
She commended the dedication and enthusiasm of MTN and CalBank staff volunteers, media personnel and members of the public who participated in the blood donation exercise.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh