The event, held on Saturday at the Osu Castle, brought together officials of the Indian High Commission, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Indian community, yoga organisations and enthusiasts among others.
The ceremony began with the lighting of a lamp, symbolising the wisdom and unity that yoga embodies.
Participants engaged in body movements or postures known as ‘asanas’, breathing exercises called pranayama, and meditation under the guidance of expert instructors.
Recognising yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being, the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga, with the first observance held in 2015.
This year’s was on the theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting the connection between personal wellness and planetary health.
Mr Manish Gupta, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, urged the public to dispel misconceptions that yoga involved occult practices, stressing that it instead fostered the unity of body, mind and soul.
“Our body is a beautiful symphony. Just as a musical instrument requires careful tuning, we need yoga and meditation for our bodies to function in harmony,” he said.
In the lead-up to the event, the High Commission organised yoga activities across the country, including Ho, Cape Coast, Kumasi, Tamale and Accra.
Mr Gupta commended the Government of Ghana for its support in promoting awareness of yoga and its benefits, and encouraged Ghanaians to make yoga a part of their daily lives.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, touched on the benefits of yoga in health and longevity, citing her father, who practised yoga and lived to 106 years.
“I encourage all Ghanaians to explore the benefits of yoga. Whether for physical fitness, mental well-being or spiritual growth, yoga offers a path to balance and a better quality of life,” she said.
Madam Gomashie assured of the ministry’s collaboration to support wellness and cultural tourism, noting yoga’s potential to boosting Ghana’s tourism industry.
“Imagine serene yoga retreats in the hills of the Eastern and Volta regions or sunrise yoga on the beaches of the Central Region, blending traditional drumming, herbal healing and local cuisine into transformative experiences,” she said.
Mr Kofi Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, said yoga could help prevent many non-communicable diseases.
He expressed the hope that it would be integrated into school sports programmes, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, to strengthen the students’ bodies and renew their minds.
He called on development partners to support efforts to build a culture of movement and wellness across Ghana.
Madam Samia Nkrumah, a former Member of Parliament for Jomoro, who participated in the exercises, said: “I feel wonderful. Yoga is good for the body and mind.”
“My late father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, also practised yoga regularly.”
Naa Professor Edmund Nminyem Delle Chiir VIII, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Rabito Clinic, credited his vibrant health and longevity to years of yoga practice, and called on the public to embrace it for improved wellness.
GNA
