By Jones Anlimah
iThrive Ghana, a health and wellness initiative, is intensifying advocacy for healthier lifestyles as Ghana grapples with a growing burden of obesity and other non-communicable diseases.
The organisation will host a free community health event dubbed Walk For Life on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon.
The event, themed “Move More, Eat Better, Live Healthier,” is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of overweight and obesity while encouraging practical lifestyle changes among Ghanaians.
Participants will take part in a 5-kilometre health walk, group fitness sessions, nutrition and health talks, fun games, and a local food demonstration.
According to iThrive Ghana, the initiative is a direct response to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in Ghana, particularly in urban and peri-urban communities.
Health experts warn that obesity has become a major driver of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer.
Lead Convener of iThrive Ghana, Professor Richmond Aryeetey, says the country can no longer afford to overlook the public health threat posed by obesity.
He describes the situation as a national health emergency requiring urgent and collective action.
“Ghana is facing a health emergency we can no longer afford to ignore. Overweight and obesity are no longer diseases of affluence; they are now a Ghanaian reality cutting across all communities, all incomes, and all ages,” he said.
Professor Aryeetey noted that Walk For Life is intended to move beyond awareness creation to inspire sustained behavioural change.
He says the campaign seeks to demonstrate that simple, consistent actions such as regular physical activity and healthy eating can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
The initiative is supported by a number of institutions, including Blue Skies, Special Ice, MyHealthCop, PlayField, the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Food Movement, the University of Ghana, TNYOU, and the NCD Alliance.
Organisers say the broad partnership reflects the multisectoral collaboration needed to tackle Ghana’s rising non-communicable disease burden.
They are encouraging the public to participate in the event, which begins at 6 a.m. and is open to all at no cost.
iThrive Ghana says the campaign marks the beginning of a sustained national movement to promote healthier living and reduce the growing impact of diet-related diseases across the country.
