Accra: The National Blood Service (NBS) has received various items and commitments from two prominent charities, the Wishing Well Foundation and the Samaritan Foundation of the Freemason Lodge of Ghana. This partnership is set to enhance mobile and frequent blood donation initiatives by supplying essential items such as medical supplies, consumables, specialized equipment, and branded T-shirts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Daniel Awuah-Darko, President of the Samaritan Foundation, contributed 10,000 blood drive-branded T-shirts to bolster the NBS’s blood donation efforts. The Samaritan Foundation, a charitable arm of the Grand Lodge of Ghana, aims to empower communities through humanitarian initiatives and philanthropic endeavors. Mr. Awuah-Darko emphasized the foundation’s mission to rejuvenate and enhance the partnership with the NBS in blood donation activities nationwide, ensuring local blood banks are adequately stocked to save lives.
The initiative will be rolled out in phases, starting in the southern region of Ghana, with plans for future expansion to other areas. Madam Sedem Klutse, the Personal Assistant to the Founder of the Wishing Well Foundation, highlighted her organization’s ongoing collaboration with the NBS over the past five years. This partnership has successfully organized an annual blood drive in memory of the late Madam Gifty Champion, who tragically passed away due to the unavailability of her blood type. Madam Klutse expressed confidence that their continued efforts would not only raise awareness but also boost the morale and efficiency of the staff and volunteers in the field.
Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of NBS, expressed gratitude for the generous donations and partnerships, assuring that the contributions would be effectively utilized to enhance blood service delivery nationwide. She noted that such donations play a vital role in the national effort to establish a safe and effective blood supply system based on 100% voluntary, unpaid blood donation. ‘As Ghana continues to face challenges in maintaining adequate blood supplies, these collaborative initiatives inspire hope and demonstrate the power of community-driven efforts in saving lives.’