"One Region, One Blood Centre": Govt Rolls Out Plan to Fix Ghana's Blood Shortages

The Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has outlined a comprehensive strategy by the Government to address Ghana's persistent blood shortages and establish a sustainable national blood supply system.

Addressing Parliament in response to a question from the Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, the Minister said the Ministry of Health, through the National Blood Service, is implementing a two-pronged approach focused on expanding blood collection infrastructure and increasing voluntary blood donations nationwide.

As part of the government's "One Region, One Blood Centre" initiative, the Central Region Blood Centre in Cape Coast has been officially designated, bringing the total number of regional blood centres to five. The centres are located in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Ho, and Cape Coast.

Mr. Akandoh also announced that the number of designated blood collection units across the country has increased to 43, exceeding the target set for the second quarter of 2026.

To improve access for voluntary donors, the National Blood Service launched a 24-hour blood collection service at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Blood Donor Clinic on March 16, 2026.

The Minister further disclosed that the National Blood Service is intensifying public education and awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, faith-based organizations, and local communities to encourage regular voluntary blood donation. The initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the media, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the Information Services Department (ISD).

Additional measures include establishing fixed community blood collection points, re-engaging senior high schools in blood donation campaigns, and converting family replacement donors into regular voluntary donors through enhanced donor recognition and retention programmes.

Mr. Akandoh appealed to Members of Parliament, traditional authorities, religious leaders, corporate institutions, and civil society organizations to support the national effort by organizing regular voluntary blood donation exercises.

He emphasized that the government's ultimate objective is to transition Ghana from an emergency and family replacement donation system to a safe, reliable, and 100 percent voluntary, unpaid blood donation system capable of meeting the country's healthcare needs.

Report filed by PKB