Ghana's reliance on family blood donors raises safety concerns

During the 2026 World Blood Donor Day commemoration in Accra, stakeholders noted that while family members often donate in emergencies, over-reliance on such donations undermines efforts to build a reliable and safe blood system. Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service NBS, explained that family or replacement donation, where relatives or friends donate to replace units used by a patient, often under pressure and at short notice, can compromise blood quality and availability. She emphasized that voluntary, unpaid donors are globally recognized as the safest source of blood because they typically donate regularly and adhere to strict screening protocols, ensuring a more consistent and predictable supply.

Family donors, she added, might feel compelled to donate even when unfit, increasing the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections. The NBS is intensifying public education campaigns and partnering with schools, faith-based organizations, and corporate institutions to encourage regular voluntary donation. Dr. Fiona Braka, World Health Organization WHO Country Representative, stressed the need for countries to transition to voluntary donation models to strengthen national health security.

Prof. Catherine Segbefia, Chairper