Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l November 28, 2025
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has commenced its annual blood donation exercise as part of its corporate social responsibility to support the National Blood Bank. The week-long campaign, running from November 24 to 28 at the FDA Head Office in Accra, aims to mobilize staff, partner institutions, and members of the public to donate blood to help address critical shortages.
Speaking during a press interaction at the event, Mr. Seth Kwaku Seaneke, Deputy CEO in charge of Health Products and Technologies at the FDA, underscored the importance of the exercise, emphasising the Authority’s long-standing commitment to public health.
“Every year around November and December, we dedicate a day to donate blood—our staff and collaborators, including those in nearby public institutions, all join in,” he said. “This is our way of replenishing the National Blood Bank so that people who need blood as part of our healthcare delivery system can receive it and live.”
Mr. Seaneke urged other public institutions and corporate bodies to emulate the FDA’s example, noting that persistent reports of blood shortages call for a more active national response.
“Blood is a medical product that cannot be manufactured; it depends entirely on voluntary donations,” he stressed. “People involved in accidents, patients with anaemia, expectant mothers, and others rely on these donations to survive. As a public health organization, we have taken it upon ourselves not only to donate but to encourage others to do the same.”
He added that the FDA expects a nationwide collection of over 2,500 pints of blood this year, with all regional offices set to replicate the exercise initiated at the headquarters.
Addressing concerns about declining enthusiasm among the public due to the discontinuation of incentives, Mr. Seaneke said awareness campaigns and testimonies from long-time donors continue to inspire participation.
One such advocate is Mr. Eddie Barnor, organiser of the National Blood Donors Association and an 81-time donor, who shared his experience and passion for blood donation.
Mr. Barnor, a former national best donor in 2010, recounted his journey: “We used to donate every six months, and later every four months. Even when incentives were stopped and many people withdrew, I continued because I realised the health benefits.”
He highlighted the rejuvenating effect of blood donation, saying, “Anytime you donate blood, old blood goes out and new blood comes in. I don’t fall sick; I don’t go to the hospital because of blood donation.”
Beyond the personal benefits, he emphasised the life-saving impact of donations. “When you donate blood, you help accident victims, pregnant women, and children. You save a life.”
Mr. Barnor appealed to all eligible Ghanaians aged 17 to 60 to visit any blood bank and volunteer. “When blood stays in you too long, it doesn’t help. Just go to the blood bank and donate to save lives,” he urged.
The FDA’s initiative forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen blood supply systems and encourage voluntary, regular donation across the country.
