Dr Betty Krosbi Mensah, National Coordinator of the National Recreation and Wellness Programme, has outlined the initiative’s core mission, emphasizing its importance for all Ghanaians.
In an interview with Sporty FM, Dr Mensah explained that the programme was designed to shift attention from elite and professional sports to everyday health and wellness, promoting a more active lifestyle for the general public.
She highlighted that a significant number of deaths in Ghana are linked to non-communicable diseases driven by lifestyle factors.
Encouraging regular physical activity, balanced diets, and routine medical check-ups, she noted, can improve citizens’ quality of life and reduce the burden on hospitals nationwide.
“Historically, the Ministry of Youth and Sports focused primarily on youth and elite sports. In the wisdom of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, it was recognized that everyday physical activity among all Ghanaians—children, adults, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—was not being prioritized. The Ministry was therefore restructured to give recreation its own focus, alongside competitive sports,” Dr Mensah explained.
She added, “According to data from the Ghana Health Service, about 45 per cent of deaths in the country are caused by non-communicable diseases, many of which are preventable through lifestyle changes. By promoting wellness, we can reduce healthcare costs, enhance national productivity, and enable Ghanaians to live healthier lives.”
Dr Mensah praised the president’s initiative, describing it as a forward-thinking approach to public health.
“If we are not healthy, we cannot perform at our best. Preventive measures”staying active, eating well, and regular medical check-ups”are simple steps that can protect us from many lifestyle-related illnesses. For diseases that are preventable, this programme is a way for all Ghanaians to come together to improve the well-being of the nation,” she concluded.
