馃嚞馃嚟GhanaWest Africa
Ghana's reliance on family blood donors raises safety concerns
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Health experts have expressed concern over Ghana's dependence on family or replacement blood donors, warning that this practice poses a hidden risk to the safety and sustainability of the national blood supply system. 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
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President John Dramani Mahama has donated six months of his basic salary, and government appointees have contributed one month of their basic salaries, to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund MahamaCares. This combined contribution, totaling GH垄6,102,737.80, was presented to the Fund on June 16, 2026, by Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo. Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, received the donation and expressed appreciation for the commitment shown in supporting Ghanaians needing specialist medical care. She also urged individuals, institutions, and corporate organizations to contribute to ensure the Fund's long-term sustainability. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to provide financial support for critical and specialist health conditions, especially for vulnerable individuals who cannot afford expensive medical care.
The Ghanaian government has refuted allegations of impropriety in the awarding of contracts under the 'Big Push' infrastructure program. Government Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated on Monday, June 15, 2026, that a 72-page presidential review report cleared the Ministry of Roads and Highways of any procurement breaches. The report concluded that the use of single-source procurement for some road projects complied with the Public Procurement Act, 2003 Act 663, as amended, and was justified by the program's urgency. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the 'Big Push' initiative is an accelerated infrastructure program designed to address road deficits, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. He added that single sourcing was employed in specific cases to prevent delays associated with competitive tendering, particularly in areas with severely deteriorated road networks. The government also cited national security and the need to mitigate rising project costs due to inflation as reasons for this procurement method in selected projects. Despite this, Kwakye Ofosu affirmed that competitive tendering remains the primary procurement approach in the roads sector. The report indicated that single-source awards constituted 47.14 percent of 140 specialized 'Big Push' contracts, representing 4.5 percent of the total 1,441 contracts awarded by the Ministry.
Spain is set to begin their 2026 World Cup Group H campaign against debutants Cape Verde. The European champions, considered favorites in a group also featuring Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, aim for a strong start to secure progression to the knockout stages. Spain's squad includes talents like Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams, as they seek a second World Cup title. For Cape Verde, this match marks their historic FIFA World Cup debut, having already exceeded expectations by qualifying for the tournament.