Stories and facts

The Ghana Red Cross Society, commonly abbreviated as GRCS, is the foremost volunteer-based humanitarian organization in Ghana.

It was officially established in 1958, just after Ghana attained independence, through the passage of legislation by Parliament. The Society’s national headquarters is located in Accra.

From inception, GRCS was granted formal legal status and a national mandate to coordinate humanitarian activity, organise volunteers and deliver relief across Ghana.

The 1958 Act that brought it into being also positioned it as Ghana’s affiliate in the larger International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The organization’s strength lies in its network of passionate volunteers spread across all regions of the country. These volunteers serve on the front lines during natural disasters such as floods and storms, providing immediate relief, first aid, and temporary shelter to affected communities.

Beyond emergency response, the GRCS runs vital community programs in health education, blood donation, sanitation, and hygiene promotion. It also conducts first-aid training and disaster preparedness workshops to help individuals and communities respond effectively to emergencies.

Working in partnership with government agencies, local authorities, and international bodies such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the GRCS plays a key role in national disaster management efforts.

These collaborations enable the organisation to deliver timely assistance and strengthen its capacity to respond to humanitarian crises.

Over the years, the GRCS has grown into a trusted symbol of compassion, unity, and hope. Through its programs and the selfless dedication of its volunteers, it continues to make a meaningful impact on countless lives, embodying the spirit of humanity that lies at the heart of the Red Cross movement.

Explore the different government organizations that operate across Ghana below.