Ghana is intensifying efforts to address the country’s persistent blood shortage, with a renewed push for voluntary donation led by the Coconut Grove Hotel and the National Blood Service.

The 2025 blood donation drive, held in Accra, brought together health professionals and donors to highlight the life-saving power of a consistent blood supply.

Globally, blood donation remains uneven, high-income countries account for nearly half of all donations, despite representing a fraction of the world’s population.

Yet many patients, especially in low-income regions, still lack timely access to safe blood.

With blood unable to be stored indefinitely, regular donations are essential to meet demand and save lives.

The event brought to light the urgent need for rare blood types, particularly B-negative and O-negative, which remain critically scarce across health facilities.

Blood recruiter at the National Blood Service, Kwaku Ajololo, called on the public to take donation seriously and urged individuals to know their blood groups and build networks with others who share similar types.

“For our demographics, the negative blood types are difficult to get, the B negative and the O negative are very rare,” he said. “Sometimes someone may need four or five units of blood, but you can’t give all of it. That’s why I always tell people to have friends who match your blood group in case we don’t have enough.”

His remarks sparked conversations around the need for a more resilient and community-driven blood system, especially in emergencies.

President of Group Nduom Ghana, Dr. Nana Kweku Nduom, echoed the call for regular donation, stressing that no patient should lose their life due to a lack of blood.

“Every time you get this message saying someone is in the hospital and needs blood type O or A, it shouldn’t be necessary,” he said. “We should have enough blood everywhere so people can get it when they need it.”

Donors who participated in the exercise described the experience as fulfilling and encouraged others to join future drives.

One donor shared, “The feeling is very exciting. People should come out and donate to save lives. It’s very important.” Another added, “Some people fear they may die, but once a medical officer clears you, you’re safe to donate.”