Take regular medical checks seriously – Major-General Dr. Raymond Ewusi urges citizens

Major-General Dr. Raymond Ewusi, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Medical) at the Ghana Armed Forces, has urged Ghanaians to prioritize their health by attending regular medical check-ups and avoiding situations that may lead to urgent blood emergencies.

"Blood is life, and we should all donate to save lives. I encourage everyone to donate. According to the CEO of the National Blood Service, we need about 200,000 units of blood per year. It is important to take care of ourselves, have regular check-ups to prevent emergencies, drive safely, and avoid situations that may require emergency blood transfusions"

Major-General Ewusi made this statement as the Guest Speaker at the launch of the 2024 Insurance Industry Blood Donation campaign in Accra on August 13, 2024.

The Insurance Industry's blood donation campaign aims to save the lives of pregnant women, children with cancer, and accident victims, with the ultimate goal of supporting all major blood banks in the country.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Commissioner of Insurance (Acting), Mr. Michael Kofi Andoh, pledged the industry's ongoing support for blood donation efforts and commended organizations and individuals for participating in the annual campaign.

With the 2024 campaign underway, Mr. Michael Andoh called on insurance companies, brokers, agents, and the public to support this important cause.

Dr. Shirley Owusu-Ofori, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Blood Service (NBS), also encouraged Ghanaians to actively participate in blood donation activities to enhance the country's healthcare sector.

Since its inception in 2021, the industry's blood donation campaign has provided the NBS with 5,019 pints of blood.

The National Insurance Commission (NIC), along with key industry stakeholders such as the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), the Insurance Brokers Association of Ghana (IBAG), the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana (CIIG), the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, WAICA Reinsurance, the Ghana Insurance College (GIC), and the National Association of Ghana Insurance Agents (NAGIA), has made significant efforts to support the National Blood Service, Ghana.

The launch was attended by Mr. Seth K. Aklasi, President of GIA, Mr. Shaibu Ali, President of IBAG, Mr. Solomon Lartey, President of CIIG, Mrs. Mercy Boampong representing the Ghana National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, Mr. Gustav Siale, a former Managing Director of Ghana Reinsurance Company and advocate for voluntary blood donation, along with several other CEOs who donated blood at the event.