On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the National Blood Service (NBS) formalized a strategic partnership with two prominent charities: the Wishing Well
Foundation and the Samaritan Foundation (the charitable arm of the Freemason Grand Lodge of Ghana).
The collaboration is designed to tackle Ghana’s chronic blood shortages by providing the essential logistics needed to scale up mobile donation drives across the country.
1. The Samaritan Foundation: 10,000 Lifelines
Led by its President, Mr. Daniel Awuah-Darko (who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Ghana Football Association Foundation), the Samaritan Foundation made a substantial donation of 10,000 branded T-shirts to support the NBS’s outreach programs.
Key Objectives:
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National Revival: The foundation aims to revitalize existing blood donation frameworks that were impacted by recent economic challenges.
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Phased Rollout: The initiative will begin in the Southern Region before expanding to the middle and northern belts.
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Humanitarian Mission: As the philanthropic wing of the Grand Lodge of Ghana, the Samaritan Foundation is focusing on community empowerment through health security.
2. Wishing Well Foundation: Five Years of Dedication
The Wishing Well Foundation reiterated its deep-rooted commitment to the NBS, a partnership that has spanned half a decade.
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Honoring a Legacy: The foundation’s annual blood drive is held in memory of Madam Gifty Champion, who tragically passed away because her specific blood type was unavailable at a critical moment.
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Staff Morale: Madam Sedem Klutse, Personal Assistant to the Founder, emphasized that the donation of medical consumables and specialized equipment is intended to improve the efficiency and morale of frontline health volunteers.
3. National Context: The 100% Voluntary Goal
The CEO of the National Blood Service, Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, highlighted that these donations are vital for moving Ghana toward a 100% voluntary, unpaid blood donation system.
Currently, Ghana often relies on "replacement donation" (where family members donate to replace blood used by a loved one), but the NBS vision is to ensure that a safe and effective supply is always available on the shelf for emergencies.
The Bottom Line
The entry of high-profile charities like the Samaritan Foundation into the blood service space signals a "power of community" approach to solving health crises. By providing the tools for mobile drives, these foundations are bringing the donation center to the people, making it easier for Ghanaians to give the "precious gift of life."
