Mr John Ahadzie, Head of the Tema General Hospital Blood Bank, said out of the eight blood groups, A-, B-, AB- and O- were rare.

Mr Ahadzie gave the advice on Sunday when the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Redemption Congregation at Tema Community Nine embarked on a blood donation exercise.

He indicated that it was difficult to get those blood types for transfusion, stating that it was imperative that people with those blood groups made  a conscious effort to avoid acts that could lead to blood loss.

He told the Ghana News Agency that during the blood donation exercise at the church, only one person belonged to the rare blood group and appealed to such persons to always  donation to help save lives.

He encouraged people to put their fears aside and donate a pint of blood adding that "blood is not sold at the pharmacy, it must be donated by human beings".

The Head of the TGH blood bank stated that blood was needed for people during surgery, accidents, pregnant women, anemic persons, cancer patients among others.

He reminded the public to be cautious during the festive period adding that a lot of blood was needed during such periods due to accidents and stressed the need for people to voluntary donate for storage to save lives during such periods.

He indicated that blood donation must be seen as a civic responsibility for people aged between 17 and 60 years and in good health.

Mrs Florence Akrofi, Senior Presbyter, PCG Redemption Congregation, said health workers go through a lot of stress when they  cannot access  blood to save a life adding that "your one pint of blood can save someone".

Mrs Akrofi added that Christians must see blood donation as a sacrifice to humankind and an opportunity for Christians to save souls.