MTN Ghana, Cal Bank Target 7,000 Units in Nationwide Blood Donation Drive

MTN Ghana Foundation, in partnership with Cal Bank, has successfully organised the 2026 edition of its annual “Save A Life” Blood Donation Drive, aiming to collect 7,000 units of blood to support hospitals across all 16 regions of Ghana.

The initiative brought together voluntary donors from all 16 regions of Ghana to support the National Blood Service and regional hospital blood banks.

The nationwide exercise, held on Friday, February 13, 2026, forms part of MTN Ghana’s flagship health interventions and reflects a growing commitment by corporate Ghana to address persistent blood shortages in hospitals, particularly during medical emergencies, surgeries, and maternal care.

Major blood collection centres were mounted at the MTN Ghana Foundation Head Office, the MobileMoney Ltd office at the Standard Chartered Building, and the Cal Bank Head Office at Ridge, Accra.

In addition, 44 designated donation centres were activated nationwide to ensure broad public participation and regional inclusion.

Stephen Blewett: Blood Donation Is a Life-Saving Responsibility

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, described the blood donation drive as a critical life-saving intervention that has become a pillar of the MTN Ghana Foundation’s health programmes.

He noted that over the past 15 years, the Foundation has consistently supported voluntary blood donation across the country, resulting in the collection of 26,620 units of blood distributed to major hospitals including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ridge Hospital, the 37 Military Hospital, and several regional blood banks.

According to Mr. Blewett, voluntary blood donation plays a vital role in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, improving emergency response capacity, and preventing avoidable deaths caused by blood shortages.

“This initiative is about saving lives in the most direct way possible. A single donation can make the difference between life and death, and that is why MTN continues to invest in this cause year after year,” he said.

He encouraged MTN employees, partners, customers, and the general public to view blood donation as a simple but powerful act of compassion, announcing an internal push to exceed the initial target of 7,000 units nationwide.

Mr. Blewett also expressed appreciation to health professionals, volunteers, donors, and media partners for their sustained support and welcomed Cal Bank as a key partner in expanding the reach and impact of the initiative.

Adwoa Wiafe: Partnerships Multiply Impact

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, described the 2026 edition of the blood donation drive as historic, noting that it marked the first time MTN Ghana had partnered another corporate institution to deliver the initiative.

She said the partnership with Cal Bank underscores MTN Ghana’s belief that meaningful impact is best achieved through collaboration.

“There are things we can do alone, but when we come together and work together, we can achieve much more. Impact cannot be maximised in isolation,” she stated.

Ms. Wiafe emphasised that the blood donation exercise reflects MTN’s strong culture of volunteerism, adding that staff across the country had willingly volunteered to donate blood to save lives.

She stressed the urgent need for blood in hospitals nationwide and encouraged eligible Ghanaians to see blood donation as both a civic responsibility and an act of national solidarity.

“You never know when you or a loved one may need blood. Volunteering to donate today is a way of saving someone, somewhere, whom you may never meet,” she added.

Carl Selasi Asem: Beyond Banking to National Development

Managing Director of Cal Bank, Carl Selasi Asem, said Cal Bank was delighted to partner MTN Ghana on an initiative that directly protects and enhances human life.

He described the exercise as more than a routine corporate social responsibility activity, stating that it represents the intersection between institutional capacity and urgent societal need.

“At Cal Bank, we firmly believe that our contribution to national development extends beyond financial services. It includes supporting initiatives that directly protect and enhance human life,” he said.

Mr. Asem noted that blood donation remains one of the most immediate and impactful ways the private sector can support healthcare delivery and bridge critical gaps in the national blood supply.

He commended MTN Ghana for sustaining the blood donation initiative since 2012 and pledged Cal Bank’s long-term commitment to the partnership.

“We are proud to associate with MTN on this initiative and will work towards institutionalising it as a core part of our healthcare focus across our entire network,” he stated.

National Blood Service Commends Corporate Support

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service Ghana, Shirley Phyllis Ohenewa Owusu-Ofori, lauded MTN Ghana and Cal Bank for their sustained support toward strengthening Ghana’s blood supply system.

She highlighted that voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation from low-risk populations remains the safest foundation for national blood supplies, as affirmed by the World Health Organization.

According to her, corporate-led blood donation initiatives significantly reduce pressure on hospital blood banks and enhance the country’s ability to respond to emergencies.

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“By participating in this exercise, donors are not just fulfilling a social responsibility; they are contributing to a public health infrastructure that serves all Ghanaians, regardless of social or economic status,” she said.

Prelude to MTN Ghana’s 30th Anniversary

The 2026 “Save A Life” Blood Donation Drive also serves as a prelude to MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to national development beyond telecommunications.

The initiative as more than a one-day event, but a sustained effort to safeguard lives and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system through collective action, volunteerism, and responsible corporate leadership.