Dodowa (G/R), Feb. 20, GNA – Senior High Schools (SHSs) are Ghana’s most dependable and highest‑contributing voluntary blood donors, according to the National Blood Service (NBS).

The NBS says SHSs contribute over 70 per cent of the country’s voluntary blood supply annually, making them the single largest and most reliable donor group supporting the nation’s blood banks.

This was highlighted at the launch of the Southern Zone Blood Donation and Education Campaign by the National Blood Service (NBS) with the support of the Samaritan Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.

The launch, hosted by Ghanata Senior High School, forms part of a nationwide programme to engage students, teachers, and communities to strengthen the culture of voluntary blood donation and secure a stable supply for hospitals.

Dr. Shirley Owusu‑Ofori, Chief Executive Officer, NBS, said the contribution of SHSs remained unmatched and the backbone of Ghana’s blood mobilisation system.

“For more than four decades, Senior High Schools have sustained the national blood supply,.Year after year, students form the largest voluntary donor base, and without them, the blood shortages experienced in some of our hospitals would be far more severe,” she said.

She noted that although Ghana needed at least ten voluntary donors per 1,000 population, the country currently averaged only about six.

She added that the consistency and enthusiasm of SHS donors helped bridge this gap, ensuring that mothers in labour, accident victims, and patients requiring surgery could access life‑saving blood.

The CEO assured students, parents, and authorities that all school‑based donation exercises were conducted under the highest professional and medical standards, with strict adherence to safety protocols before, during, and after donation.

Mr. Daniel Awuah Darko, President of the Samaritan Foundation, commended students across the country for their leadership in voluntary blood donation.

He said the Foundation’s nationwide campaign sought to strengthen the culture among young people who already drive the majority of Ghana’s donor numbers.

“SHS students have shown remarkable dedication to saving lives. Their contributions are a testament to the power of youth, compassion, and civic responsibility. They are the heroes behind Ghana’s voluntary blood donation success,” he said.

Mr. Awuah Darko said the campaign aimed not only to collect blood but also to deepen education, improve donor experience, and further empower SHSs to maintain their leading role.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Samaritan Foundation and the Grand Lodge of Ghana to supporting national health efforts through charity‑driven initiatives.

Reference: SHSs are Ghana’s leading voluntary blood donors | Ghana News Agency