News
Melcom leads campaign on blood donation
The public has been urged to take advantage of ongoing blood donation exercises nationwide to help to address blood shortage.
This, according to Ms Sophia Blankson, Deputy Chief for Blood Donor Recruitment, will help save lives during emergencies.
“The demand for blood has increased in recent times due to road accidents, emergency surgeries, childbirth, and complications. However voluntary donations remain alarmingly low, putting the lives of patients at risk,” Ms Blankson explained.
She made this known during the 2025 Nationwide Blood Donation Campaign by the Melcom Care Foundation in Accra.
The exercise began on Wednesday, July 23, at four selected schools; Thursday, July 24, across Melcom stores nationwide; and Saturday, July 26, at Accra, Achimota, and West Hills Malls, as well as the Melcom Mall at Spintex.
Ms Blankson outlined the steady growth in units accrued by the company over the years, from 434 in 2013 to 824 in 2015, 1,620 in 2021 and 2,184 in 2023.
“With an increase in the number of participation this year, she expressed hope that the 2025 campaign will surpass all previous records,” she added.
“One pint of blood can save lives. You don’t need to wait till it affects someone close to you,” she disclosed.
However, the nationwide Melcom blood donation yielded 2952 units of blood.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Missmanana Kids Ghana, a Christian based organisation successfully carried out its Tamale Outreach 2026 from May 26–30, 2026, through a series of faith-based educational and developmental activities aimed at children, students, parents, and caregivers.
The outreach featured the Bible Olympics (Sunday School Edition), which brought together over 300 children, teachers, and church representatives from participating churches in a fun and engaging Bible-based competition focused on scripture memorisation, Bible knowledge, literacy, and confidence building.
Participating churches included The Amazing Grace Commission, Fountain Gate Chapel – Philadelphia Pastorate, ICGC Kingdom Temple, Watered Gardens Ministries, and Restoration Assembly. After a spirited display of biblical knowledge and teamwork, children from The Amazing Grace Commission emerged as winners of the competition.
The outreach also included the Bible Olympics Secondary School Edition hosted at Business Senior High School, where Christian students participated in Bible-centered challenges designed to encourage faith, leadership, and personal development.
As part of the outreach, the Missmanana Kids team visited Shepherd Mirror Academy, where pupils were introduced to the Little Drops of The Word Bible memory flashcards.
The team also visited the Tamale Orphanage, where children received free Little Drops of The Word flashcards, drinks, bottled water, and financial support as a gesture of love and encouragement.
A major highlight of the outreach was the free distribution of Little Drops of The Word Bible memory flashcards to children, students, and parents across all outreach activities, supporting the organisation’s mission of helping families grow in scripture memorisation, biblical understanding, and godly character.
There was also the Intentional Parenting Conference that brought together parents, guardians, church leaders, and child development advocates for practical discussions on raising confident and Godly children.
The guest Speakers included Apostle M.W. Smith (PhD), Pastor Dr Mrs Esinam Edenam, Pastor Edem Edenam, and Pastor Marie Agozie, who shared practical and biblical insights on intentional parenting, prayer-centered homes, and raising children to fulfill God’s purpose.
The Tamale Outreach 2026 forms part of Missmanana Kids Ghana’s ongoing commitment to supporting children and families through faith-based initiatives, educational resources, and community engagement programmes.
By Spectator Repoter
![Mr. Kaisamba [in suit] with prof. Acakpovi other invited guest and the students after the programme Photo: Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mr.-Kaisamba-in-suit-with-prof.-Acakpovi-other-invited-guest-and-the-students-after-the-programme-Photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
The Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday held a flag raising ceremony in Accra to recognise and honour the contributions of the international students of the institution.
The ceremony attracted diplomats, university staff, students and distinguished guests from several countries.
Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Ghana, Mr Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, described the display of national flags as a symbol of unity, diversity and shared aspirations among nations.
He stressed the importance of higher education in promoting international understanding and cultural exchange, noting that universities must prepare students not only for professional success but also for life in an increasingly interconnected world.
“Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge and professional skills. It is also about fostering understanding, embracing diversity and building meaningful connections across cultures and nations,” he said.
He commended ATU for celebrating diversity through the flag-raising initiative and encouraged international students to continue serving as ambassadors of their respective countries while pursuing academic excellence.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ATU and the African Higher School of Information and Communication Technologies (ESATIC) of Côte d’Ivoire.
Explaining the agreement, the Vice Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Acakpovi Amevi, explained that the partnership seeks to advance Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education and training in both institutions.
The agreement will also facilitate internship opportunities, promote student and staff exchanges, encourage joint research and innovation, and strengthen professional development and capacity building.
“We cannot develop information technology without speaking English, and we cannot grow by partnering only with French-speaking institutions. We must open ourselves to the English-speaking world,” he stated.
President of the International students, Abdulai Darboe, expressed optimism that the agreement would strengthen educational ties, enhance research opportunities and contribute to the broader vision of African integration and development through higher education.
