As part of the ongoing AshantiFest festivities, telecommunications leader MTN Ghana successfully hosted a voluntary blood donation drive today, aimed at replenishing depleted reserves at government hospitals within the Mampong municipality.
The exercise, held at the central Dufie Square, saw a significant turnout from the local community where 90 pints of blood was recorded at the end.
Medical personnel were stationed as early as 6:00 AM, conducting preliminary screenings and health checks to ensure all volunteers were fit for donation.
Community Response:
The atmosphere at Dufie Square was one of civic duty and enthusiasm.
By noon, nearly 100 residents had already passed through the MTN-mounted stands to contribute to the life-saving cause.
Others screening services that was provided by the medical team were HIV, Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer and screening for the eye.
The initiative serves as a critical intervention for healthcare delivery in the region.
Organizers of AshantiFest noted that the primary objective is to ensure that local hospitals are well-equipped to handle medical emergencies and surgeries without the delay of blood shortages.
“The goal is simple and it is to save lives by providing a platform for voluntary donation and we are supporting the Mampong community’s healthcare infrastructure at its most vital point and emergency readiness”, a representative of the organisers stated.
Building a Legacy of Giving:
This year’s drive follows the success of a similar intervention held last year at the Kumasi Central Prisons.
During that exercise, residents of Adum and surrounding areas donated blood to support the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Blood Bank, the largest referral facility in the Ashanti Region.
National Blood Donation Drive:
Earlier this year, exactly in the month of February, MTN also undertook its annual nationwide “Save A Life” blood donation exercise where students from second cycle institutions were given the opportunity to donate blood.
This initiative has been ongoing for more than a decade and in February this year, the drive recorded 7,020 pints of blood to restock the National Blood Bank.
Objective:
By moving the event to Mampong this year, MTN Ghana continues its tradition of spreading corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives across various districts within the Ashanti Kingdom.
Voices from the Field:
For many participants, the exercise was more than just a medical procedure; it was a way to give back to a system that had supported them in the past.
Yaw Amankwah (26): A first-time donor, Amankwah expressed his pride in participating.
“I’ve seen firsthand how important this is,” he shared.
He noted that, “a relative of mine once survived an emergency at the Mampong Government Hospital because blood was available. Being able to pay that forward feels right.”
Dorcas Ampofo (31): A local trader, Ampofo commended MTN for bringing the initiative directly to the people.
“Sometimes we want to help but don’t know where to go. This setup makes it easy for us to help save a life while we go about our daily business.”
The blood donation exercise remains a cornerstone of the AshantiFest calendar, highlighting the intersection of cultural celebration and social issues.
Dignitaries:
Present during the donation exercise were the Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene and the Queen of Mampong, Nana Agyakoma Difie.
Story Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi
