Students from Barekese, Jachie Pramso, and Kumasi Anglican Senior High Schools in the Ashanti region turned up to voluntarily donate blood to the Blood Bank of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

The annual exercise sponsored by MTN Ghana was held as part the activities leading up to Valentine’s Day celebration.

General Manager of MTN’s Northern Business District, Nii Adotey Mingle, says the initiative, since its inception, has contributed 26,000 pints of blood to the National Blood Bank.

This year, the telecoms giant aims to collect a total of 7,500 pints through various outreach programs across the country.

Mr. Mingle noted the annual blood donation drive is rooted in the company’s dedication to the health and well-being of Ghanaians.

"The health of our customers and partners is a core priority," he remarked. "For 15 years, we have remained diligent in conducting these drives to ensure our blood banks are well-equipped to handle emergencies and other medical procedures requiring blood transfusions."

The participating students expressed their fulfillment in contributing to the life-saving cause.

Some admitted to initial anxieties, specifically fearing post-donation dizziness, but they appreciated the professional screening and collection processes left them feeling well and reassured.

Head of the Transfusion Medicine Unit at KATH, Dr. Lesley Osei, appreciated the donation initiative.

She observed the consistent donation drive by MTN provides the largest annual influx of blood for the unit.

"We are deeply indebted to MTN for sustaining these outreaches for 15 years," Dr. Osei stated. "This partnership provides the essential reserves needed to treat patients facing critical health challenges."

The KATH Blood Bank anticipates collecting at least 75 pints of blood from the three schools.