Ghana joins blood services across Africa for blood donation event dubbed ‘Red Saturday’

The National Blood Service (NBS), informs the general public that, Ghana will join blood services across Africa for a ground-breaking blood donation event, ‘Red Saturday’ aimed to engage thousands of donors across fifteen nations, collecting lifesaving blood donations to support hospitals and patients in need.

The event which forms part of the Twenty-Fifth National Blood Donor Day is under the team "One Day. One Continent. One Purpose" is scheduled on Saturday, 29 November 2025.

This was stated in a press release yesterday, in Accra.

NBS, according to the release, stated that “Red Saturday” is more than a blood drive - it represents African unity and solidarity, a collective effort to address blood shortages across the continent, and a celebration of the lifesaving power of voluntary blood donation.

It stated that the initiative carries a simple yet powerful message: Voluntary blood donation saves lives. Adding that new donors are urgently needed to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply because blood is needed continuously - not only in emergencies, but every single day.

It emphasized that Ghana’s blood drives will be organized in Senior High Schools, Training Colleges, and churches across nine regions of the country: Ashanti, Bono, Central, Greater Accra, Northern, Volta, Western, Upper East, and Upper West with the NBS targeting the mobilization of 1,000 units of blood.

According to the release, through coordinated local events, Red Saturday would like to: Inspire first-time donors to take action, encourage regular donors to continue their life-saving contributions, highlight the power of unity in addressing healthcare challenges, and amplify the message of hope, compassion, and community.

“We hope that new donors across Ghana and Africa will roll up their sleeves under the banner of Red Saturday, proving that when Africa stands together, lives are changed, hope is renewed, and the heartbeat of the continent grows stronger.”

“If you are between 17 and 60 years old, weigh 50kg or more, and are in good general health, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you may be eligible to donate blood. The process takes just 30 minutes, and you may donate every 4 months’ According to the press release.

"Donors are encouraged to eat a good meal within 3-4 hours before donating and increase their fluid intake before and after donation,” it explained.

Some of the fifteen African countries to take part in the donation exercise include; Ghana, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“Together, they will mobilize communities, inspire donors, and showcase Africa's united commitment to saving lives,’ it noted.