By: Prince-Kelvin Setrick
The Volta Region’s commemoration of this year’s International Yoga Day has seen the regional capital, Ho, hosted a Yoga session as part of activities to mark the day.
In attendance was the Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, who called on Ghanaians to consider joining Yoga sessions to help address stress and health related issues, a situation he said is not only prevalent but also on the ascendancy.
Yoga is an ancient Indian tradition dating back to 5000 years. It is the holistic approach to the union of mind, body and soul. Yoga is about good health, happiness and living in perfect harmony with our surroundings.
The practice of Yoga transcends geographical boundaries, making it universal heritage of mankind.
Recognising Yoga’s global appeal and its multi-faceted benefits, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 21st June as International Day of Yoga in 2014.
This year holds special significance as it marks the 10th anniversary celebrations. The celebration was in collaboration with the High Commission of India and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC). Some heads of departments, units, staff and some security personnel partook in the Yoga session organised in Ho to celebrate the milestone.
Gracing the occasion with his presence, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, asserted that Yoga would not only promote personal wellness but would also strengthen cultural ties and deepen the spirit of unity.
“Yoga offers timeless principles that promote peace, balance, and wellness, the ideals that resonate deeply with us here in the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Director of “Art of Living Ghana,” a Non-Governmental Organisation engaged in health and wellness management, Ankur Agarwal (Indian), elaborated more on Yoga and its benefits and called on all to participate.
“Yoga is how you can take care of your physical body and your mental body; how can the body be healthy and happy? how can the mind be stress-free? … how do we relax to be happy? That is what Yoga teaches,” Ankur Agarwal asserted.
He further allays the fear of the general public by debunking the perceived notion of yoga being a religious worship activity, emphasising that it has nothing to do with any religion or spirituality, and hence, beneficial to everyone.
The event concluded with a presentation made on behalf of the Indian High Commissioner, Manish Gupta, to the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, a gesture aimed at strengthening the diplomatic relations between Ghana and India.