Health Essentials
Ghanaian women face rising health risks due to physical inactivity
Most Ghanaian women are at increasing risk of lifestyle-related diseases, as the demands of daily life leave them with little time for physical activity, a new World Health Organisation (WHO) report has revealed.
According to the WHO’s latest STEPS report, 15 per cent of Ghanaian women do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, nearly three times the rate of inactivity among men, which stands at 5.5 per cent.
The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to maintain health.
However, the report found that nearly 10 per cent of Ghanaians fall short of this benchmark, a worrying trend linked to the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
These findings were highlighted during the launch of World Physical Activity Day in Accra last Friday.
Held under the theme “Active Today, Healthy Tomorrow: Empowering Ghanaians through Physical Activity”, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and its role in preventing chronic diseases.
Organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with The New You (TNYOU), a women-focused fitness club, the launch also marked TNYOU’s 10th anniversary.
A series of national activities were announced, including public sensitization campaigns, a national walk, and corporate fitness sessions – all designed to encourage Ghanaians to lead more active lives.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Director of the MoH, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, expressed concern about rising inactivity levels among young people, warning of dire long-term consequences.
“Many young people and children are not active nowadays, and the statistics are troubling,” he said.
“If this trend continues, Ghana risks losing a significant portion of its productive population to poor health and reduced productivity due to non-communicable diseases.”
The Founder of TNYOU, Sena Yeboah, urged Ghanaians to adopt a broader view of physical activity; not merely as exercise, but as part of a holistic, healthy lifestyle.
“As we mark World Physical Activity Day 2025, let us remember that being active is not just a personal choice but a collective responsibility,” she said.
By Abigail Annoh