News
MTN Ghana Foundation, Regional Blood Bank organise blood donation exercise
The MTN Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the Eastern Regional Blood Bank, has organised the annual blood donation exercise to mark the Valentine’s Day celebration.
The exercise took place at the Manya Krobo Senior High School in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, and was on the theme: ‘Safe blood saves lives.’
The student donors were taken through a health checklist, including age, blood level, and weight to ensure health safety before donation, and after which they were provided with milk, milo, and other foods to replenish their blood.
Mr Ransford Gyan, the MTN Ghana Sales Manager for Eastern, Volta, and Oti regions, told the Ghana News Agency that the foundation had a target of about 6000 people partaking in the blood donation exercise across the 16 regions.
“Our belief is that we will get the target set this year to assist in easing the country’s blood shortage. Donating blood is a benevolent act of solidarity, why don’t you join the effort and help save lives,” he quizzed.
He said at the initial stage of the blood donation exercise introduced by the MTN Ghana Foundation, it was limited to MTN staff but now opened up to the society.
Ms Philomina Quayson, Eastern Regional Blood Bank Donor Organiser at the Regional Hospital, said, “Blood is an essential commodity in the hospital because it helps patients who have accidents, surgeries, or medical conditions.
So, I encourage individuals to save lives by visiting any government hospitals to donate blood.”
She said persons 17 years and above, who are free from health conditions such as sickle cell and hypertension could donate.
She urged the public to donate blood as it was good and safe.
Master Kingsley Nartey, a student of Manya Krobo Senior High School, said, “Today is my first time to participate in this exercise and I was panicking but after going through the processes, I realised it was not painful and scary.” —GNA
The National Democratic Congress has officially renamed its national headquarters the “Jerry John Rawlings House” to honour its founder and former President, Jerry John Rawlings.
The ceremony took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, as part of activities marking what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday.
Held under the theme “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,” the event brought together party members and senior government officials to celebrate his life, leadership, and role in shaping Ghana’s democracy.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a commemorative plaque and a bust of the late statesman at the newly named building.
He said the renaming is a tribute to Rawlings’ immense contribution to the NDC and the nation.
“History matters because it teaches people where they came from and inspires the future,” Mahama said.
He described the ceremony as a significant act of institutional memory that ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made to build the party and protect Ghana’s democracy.
Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late President, expressed the family’s gratitude.
“The naming of this headquarters after our dad, Jerry John Rawlings, is far more than a symbolic gesture,” he said.
He called it a fitting tribute to Rawlings’ legacy, values, and sacrifices that continue to influence Ghana’s politics.
The event ended with a cake-cutting to mark Rawlings’ birthday.
Rawlings, who died in November 2020, first led Ghana as a military ruler, then guided the transition to constitutional rule and served as the country’s first President under the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001. He remains one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s modern history.
The ceremony which was a moment of remembrance and celebration of his enduring legacy was attended by top party officials, government appointees and NDC faithfuls
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested five students of the Central University during a targeted operation on campus over the sale and distribution of cannabis and cannabis-infused products.
The suspects, who are in Level 100, 300, and 400 were picked up following intelligence gathered on illicit drug activities within the university community during their Hall week celebration.
According to NACOC, preliminary investigations revealed the students were engaged in the production and sale of cannabis-infused ice cream, sobolo, toffees, pepper, and eggs, while also dealing in raw cannabis on campus.
The operation uncovered quantities of cannabis which have been seized for forensic examination as part of ongoing investigations.
NACOC noted that it is committed to combating drug-related activities in educational institutions, and students involvement in the trafficking and consumption of narcotic substances.
The suspects are currently in custody and assisting in investigations to identify any additional persons connected to cannabis infuse drug trade.
