The Apostolic Church–Ghana, Osu District Central Assembly, on Saturday held a blood donation and eye-screening exercise as part of activities marking its 75th anniversary, with church leaders describing it as a gesture of giving back to the community they have been part of for decades.
Speaking at the event, Elder Nathan Ofei Ansah said the anniversary was not only a celebration of the church’s long history, but also an opportunity to serve residents within the Osu enclave.
“We are having this blood donation and eye-screening exercise as part of our 75th anniversary celebrations. We need to offer to the community as well, so that’s why we are here today,” he explained.
According to him, the exercise had already made an impact, with several people screened and six others cleared to donate blood, after undergoing initial tests.
He noted that turnout for the event was mixed, with the elderly largely taking advantage of the eye-screening services, whilst organisers hoped to see more youth donate blood.
Elder Ofei Ansah emphasised that community service is central to the mission of the church.
“This is in alignment with our goal. We are part of this community. The church started in 1950 and we’ve been here since the 1960s. Most of our members grew up here, even though some have moved out,” he said. “It’s not only church members here; community members have joined us.”
He added that although blood donation is not held regularly, the church aims to make exercises like this annual events, especially with support from medical teams from Ridge Hospital.
“Since they are our neighbours, we hope to continue partnering them as often as they are available,” he said.
The medical team, led by Dr. Ohene Wilberforce, a Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science from Ridge Hospital, underscored the importance of such community partnerships, citing Ghana’s persistent nationwide shortage of donated blood.
Dr. Wilberforce noted that blood shortages remain severe due to widespread misconceptions and fear among potential donors.
“Some people think the blood is going to be used for something else. Others are simply scared of the needles,” he said. “And some are not willing to donate at all.”
He described the shortfall as alarming. “If you come to Ridge right now, the amount of blood we have in our blood bank won’t be more than 40 units,” he lamented.
“Meanwhile, surgeries, labour cases, ectopic pregnancies and accident victims require huge amounts of blood. Some patients need as many as 10 units.”
The practitioner highlighted the life-saving potential of church-led donation drives, urging more organisations to emulate the Apostolic Church’s initiative.
“At Ridge Hospital, we partner churches like the Methodist Church and they’ve been very helpful. With the Apostolic Church Ghana now joining, we encourage them to continue.
“Anytime they need blood for a member or any patient, we will support them because of this partnership,” he assured.
Dr. Wilberforce also outlined the mandatory pre-donation checks performed at the venue, including weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and blood grouping. Samples are later screened for Hepatitis B and C, HIV and Syphilis.
He further stressed that blood donation is beneficial not only to recipients but also to donors themselves. “Donation helps prevent cardiac issues and conditions related to excess iron. It allows your body to produce new cells and helps you know your health status,” he said.
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