Health officials and philanthropic groups have called on the public to donate blood regularly, describing it as an important service to humanity that helps save lives in hospitals.

The appeal was made during a blood donation exercise organised by the Holy Child Past Students Association (HOPSAN), Keysens Group, and partners, where more than 100 people donated blood. The exercise formed part of the activities marking the school’s 80th anniversary.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, GB Foods, Lele Rice, the Indomie brand, Sultana Foods, and the Kwaaba Foundation.

It brought together students, alumni, members of the National Blood Donors Association of Ghana, the Westland Group, and the public, who volunteered to donate blood to support patients in need.

Speaking at the event, Nana Stephens, Director at Keysens Gaisie Ltd, said many hospitals faced serious blood shortages, particularly during emergencies such as accidents, childbirth complications, and major surgeries.

He explained that blood must be donated by healthy individuals willing to help others to support quality healthcare, noting that a single unit of donated blood could save several lives.

“Every day, doctors require blood to treat patients. When people donate blood, they give hope and life to those in critical condition,” he said.

Some donors also encouraged others to participate in future exercises.

Ms Emmanuella Abban, a Form Two student of Holy Child Senior High School, said donating blood was a simple process that took only a few minutes but could make a big difference in someone’s life.

She urged fit, healthy individuals to donate to help save lives.

Health workers at the event also educated participants on the benefits of blood donation and assured the public that the process was safe and carefully monitored by medical professionals.

Mr Prince Antwi, a Phlebotomist and Laboratory Technician at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, said donors were screened to ensure they were fit before donating.

The organisers expressed appreciation to all volunteers and urged more people to support future campaigns, stressing that regular blood donation would help ensure hospitals always had an adequate supply for emergencies.

They added that blood donation was not only a humanitarian act but also a vital contribution to improving healthcare services.