Ghana, India Deepen Health and Cultural Ties at 11th International Yoga Day Celebration
Ghana and India have reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting wellness, recreation, and cultural exchange as they jointly celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga at the historic Osu Christianborg Castle in Accra.
Addressing the gathering, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Manish Gupta, highlighted the global significance of yoga, describing it as a universal practice that unites body, mind, and soul. He traced yoga’s origins to India over 5,000 years ago and praised its growing adoption worldwide. “This year’s theme, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, reminds us that our personal well-being is deeply linked to the health of our planet,” Mr. Gupta stated. He commended the enthusiastic participation of local yoga groups and thanked sponsors and partners for supporting the nationwide celebrations.
Mr. Gupta noted that the event crowned a month-long series of yoga activities across Ghana, including in Cape Coast, Ho, Kumasi, and Tamale. He emphasized that yoga’s rising popularity reflects a global awakening to the need for holistic health in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world.
In his remarks, Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Adams, underscored the importance of active lifestyles in tackling non-communicable diseases, which account for over 60% of global deaths. He announced plans to integrate yoga into all national recreational programmes. “Our partnership with the Indian High Commission will help make wellness part of our national culture,” he said, adding that yoga will complement initiatives like the upcoming National Recreation Day and National Aerobics Day.
Mr. Adams also lauded India’s role in advancing cricket and indigenous sports in Ghana, noting the High Commission’s support for Team Ghana’s participation in international competitions.
“This event should inspire stronger ties between our nations, particularly in health, youth development, and cultural exchange,” he added.
Both speakers encouraged Ghanaians to embrace yoga as part of daily life, highlighting its potential to strengthen communities and enhance national well-being.
