Every few seconds, somewhere in Ghana, there is a patient urgently in need of blood, a child battling severe malaria, a mother suffering complications during childbirth, or a victim of a road accident. Yet too often, hospitals struggle to meet these needs because the supply of safe blood is simply not enough. This is the reality facing Ghana’s healthcare system, and a powerful reminder of why raising awareness about blood donation in Ghana is so essential.
It’s why initiatives like the Blood Donation Day at Greenviews on November 22 are so vital.
Last year, Green Views organized its first-ever blood donation event, bringing the community together for a cause that truly saves lives. The result was inspiring: 78 successful donations. This year, the goal is even more ambitious: we’re aiming for 150 donations.
To achieve that, the call goes out once again to everyone: residents, businesses, and individuals, to participate by donating blood or sponsoring the event.
Why Blood Donation in Ghana Matters
Green Views: 2024 Blood Donation Day
Every pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. The benefits extend beyond those who receive it — donating blood is also beneficial to the donor.
Medically, regular blood donation helps reduce harmful iron levels in the body, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. It stimulates the production of new blood cells, which helps maintain good health. Moreover, each donor undergoes basic health checks — including blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels — making donation a small but valuable opportunity to monitor one’s health.
But beyond the physical benefits, there’s a deep emotional reward in knowing that your simple act could mean the difference between life and death for someone else. In Ghana, where the demand for blood is constant, every donation carries enormous impact.
The Blood Shortage Crisis in Ghana
Despite ongoing efforts by the Ghana National Blood Service (NBSG), the country faces a chronic shortage of blood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana needs a minimum of 250,000 units of blood annually to meet hospital demand. However, the NBSG collects significantly less than this target each year, leaving a critical gap that puts countless lives at risk.
In emergencies, hospitals often depend on family replacement donations — when relatives or friends of a patient are asked to donate blood in exchange for treatment. While this system helps temporarily, it’s not sustainable. Many patients who don’t have relatives available, or whose relatives are unfit to donate, find themselves in desperate situations.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these vulnerabilities, as movement restrictions and fear of infection led to even fewer donors. Although recovery efforts are underway, the country’s blood banks still struggle to replenish their reserves fast enough to meet the growing demand.
Why Many Ghanaians Are Reluctant to Donate
One of the main barriers to blood donation in Ghana is misinformation. Many people still believe myths such as “donating blood makes you weak,” “it causes weight loss,” or even that “hospitals sell donated blood for profit.” These misconceptions discourage potential donors, even though medical evidence shows that blood donation is completely safe when conducted under proper supervision.
In other cases, cultural beliefs and fear of needles play a role. Some people are also unaware of where or how to donate. The truth is, blood donation is a quick, straightforward process that usually takes less than 15 minutes. Donors are well cared for by trained medical professionals, and the blood is rigorously tested to ensure safety before being used.
Changing attitudes toward blood donation requires more education, community involvement, and awareness campaigns — exactly the kind of initiative that Green Views Blood Donation Day aims to support.
Green Views: 2024 Blood Donation Day
How the Ghana National Blood Service Works
The Ghana National Blood Service (NBSG) is responsible for collecting, testing, processing, and distributing blood to hospitals across the country. The NBSG operates through regional blood centers, hospital-based blood banks, and mobile donation drives that travel to communities, schools, and workplaces.
Every donation goes through a series of tests to screen for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. Once cleared, the blood is separated into its components — red blood cells, plasma, and platelets — so that each part can be used for different medical needs.
The NBSG’s biggest challenge remains regular voluntary donations. Currently, a large portion of the blood supply still comes from replacement donors rather than voluntary, unpaid donors. To ensure stable and safe supplies, the service continues to encourage individuals, companies, and institutions to organize donation drives — a model that our community has proudly embraced.
How Green Views Cares: Building a Culture of Giving Back
At Green Views, we believe in community, compassion, and collective responsibility. That’s why every year, we dedicate a day to giving something truly valuable, the gift of life.
Our Blood Donation Day is not just an event; it’s a celebration of solidarity and humanity. Last year’s turnout proved that when people come together, we can make a real difference. Seventy-eight pints of blood may seem like a small number, but it represented potentially over 200 lives saved.
This year, our goal is to reach 150 donations, and we’re inviting everyone to be part of this mission. If you’re a first-time donor, a regular blood donor, or a sponsor who wants to support logistics, refreshments, or awareness efforts — your contribution matters.
Save the Date: Green Views Blood Donation Day
On Friday, November 22, Green Views will once again open its doors for our annual Blood Donation Day. Medical professionals from the Ghana National Blood Service will be on-site to ensure a safe and smooth process for all donors.
We encourage residents, staff, partners, and the wider community to take part, by donating blood but also by spreading the word and inspiring others to do the same.
Every drop counts. Every donor matters. Together, we can help fill Ghana’s blood banks and bring hope to families in need. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this is your chance. Come out, roll up your sleeve, and save a life.
Here’s a few more snapshots of last year’s successful blood donation day. Save the date:
- November 22 at Green Views 2
- Location: 12 Mankata Avenue, Accra, Ghana.
- From 9 AM to 4 PM
