Firm Health Ghana Foundation (FHGF), a non-governmental organization in collaboration with Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) and Rotary Club of Tarkwa, organized its inaugural blood donation drive in Tarkwa.

The event, held simultaneously at Tarkwa and Fiaseman Senior High Schools in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region, saw significant participation from both students and members of the public. A total of 660 pints of blood were collected.

Dr. Joseph Darko, the Director of Medical Services for FHGF and the Medical Superintendent of the Bogoso Government Hospital, highlighted the critical need for blood donations in the region.

He noted that the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, the largest blood bank in the area, requires approximately 2,400 pints of blood annually.

However, during the previous blood donation exercise, only 120 pints were collected, which was insufficient to meet the hospital's needs.

Dr. Darko emphasized the importance of building awareness and encouraging voluntary blood donations, citing the disparity between blood supply and demand in the region compared to other countries.

He explained that the goal of the program was to collect 1,000 pints of blood, a vital resource for saving lives.

Mr. Sylvester Akpah, the Operations Director of FHGF, expressed gratitude to all the partners involved in the initiative.

He highlighted the ongoing need for blood in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipalities due to accidents and emergencies.

Mr. Abdel-Razak Yakubu, the Executive Secretary of GFGF, revealed that the foundation had allocated GH￠70,000 to support the program by providing essential supplies, bags for blood collection, refreshments for donors, and T-shirts.

He stressed the importance of establishing a culture of regular blood donation drives to ensure an adequate emergency blood supply in hospitals.

Mr. Benard Asmah, a blood donor from Aboso, encouraged the public to participate in such exercises, emphasizing the safety of blood donation and its potential to save lives.

The blood donation drive aimed to address the critical shortage of blood in the Western Region and promote a culture of voluntary blood donation.