The National Blood Service Ghana (NBSG), through a campaign led by its Brand Ambassador, Maame K. Stephens, and the Kaysens Group, has organised a 'MarchMarch' blood donation campaign at Aburi.
A statement from the NBSG explained that last year, on the Ambassador's birthday, in March, she organised a "march" up the Aburi Mountain campaigning for people to donate blood, hence the name "MarchMarch."
It said the event would be held annually to draw awareness on the need to donate blood and encourage members of the public to participate.
The event had more than 1500 participants who started with aerobics, followed by an energetic early morning walk from the Ayi Mensah Police Station to the Peduase Methodist Basic School, where the funfair continued till late in the afternoon.
Bikers, the BMW Club Ghana, motor riders, skaters, dancers, religious institutions, corporate organisations, Miss Ghana Beauty Queens, Mr Ghana, and social clubs took part in the event, which was supported by the Ministries of Health, Youth and Sports.
"By attending the event, you are already supporting the cause. Other ways to support include but are not limited to - sharing pictures and fliers on social media, encouraging a friend to donate blood, volunteering at a blood drive, donating supplies or products, and organising or sponsoring a blood drive," it added.
Mr Elorm Ametepe, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, said the walk was in line with the country's quest of ensuring healthy lifestyles and promoting the well-being of people since donating blood helped in maintaining good health.
"There were very limited 'O' negative blood group branded T-shirts to show how rare 'O' negative blood group was and its implications," it added.