“Blood cannot be manufactured, it must be donated” - FDA Deputy CEO

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has started a nationwide blood donation exercise to help restock Ghana’s National Blood Bank.

Their goal is to collect over 2,500 pints of blood.

The 2025 edition was held at the FDA Headquarters in Accra.

It is part of the Authority’s effort to support the health needs of the country.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Health, Products and Technologies, Seth Kwaku Seaneke, explained why donating blood is important.

“Blood is a vital medical product that could not be manufactured but must be donated,” he said.

He noted that blood is needed for accident victims, pregnant women who suffer complications, people with anaemia, and many others whose lives depend on it.

Mr. Seaneke encouraged individuals, companies, and organisations to support the exercise, saying Ghana still does not have enough blood in its hospitals.

He added that all FDA regional offices are also donating blood on the same day to help reach the target.

He assured the public that health checks are done to make sure donors are fit before giving blood.

During the launch, many FDA staff happily volunteered to donate.

There were also fun activities and games to make the event lively.

One staff member, Ms. Mary Vivian Hammond, who donated for the third time, said the process was easy.

She encouraged others to join, saying that donating blood can save lives.

The FDA hopes more Ghanaians will step forward, because one single pint of blood can make the difference between life and death for someone in need.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith