iThrive Ghana to Host Free “Walk For Life” Health Event at UG Stadium This Saturday

As Ghana grapples with a surge in obesity and diet-related diseases, health and wellness group iThrive Ghana is taking action with a free community health event this weekend.

Walk For Life comes off this Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 6:00 AM prompt at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Legon. The event is free and open to the public.

Why Now: “A Health Emergency We Can’t Ignore”
iThrive Ghana says the initiative is a direct response to what it calls a “rapid epidemic” of overweight and obesity, now a leading driver of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

“Ghana is facing a health emergency we can no longer afford to ignore,” said Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Lead Convener of iThrive Ghana. “Overweight and obesity are no longer diseases of affluence- they are now a Ghanaian reality cutting across all communities, all incomes, and all ages.”

National data show steep rises in overweight prevalence in urban and peri-urban areas, with women disproportionately affected. iThrive warns that diet-related NCDs are driving up health costs and hurting national productivity, yet “prevention and public awareness remain critically under-prioritised.”

*What to Expect on Saturday*
Themed “Move More, Eat Better, Live Healthier,” Walk For Life packs multiple activities into one morning:

– 5km Health Walk around Legon

– Group fitness sessionsfor all ages

– Nutrition and health talks from experts

– Fun games to keep energy high

– Local food demonstration showing healthy Ghanaian meals

“These activities are designed not simply to get people moving for a morning, but to shift mindsets,” Prof. Aryeetey said. “Small, consistent lifestyle changes around movement and nutrition can have profound effects on long-term health.”

Backed by Research, Supported by Partners
The campaign draws on collaborative research between the University of Ghana and the University of Sheffield on Ghana’s obesity burden and the economic cost of inaction.

Walk For Life is supported by *Blue Skies, Special Ice, MyHealthCop, PlayField, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Food Movement, University of Ghana, TNYOU, and NCD Alliance organisations.

iThrive Ghana says the partnerships reflect the “multisectoral commitment” experts say is essential to tackle the NCD crisis. “Meaningful change requires moving urgently from awareness to action and that communities themselves must be at the centre,” the group said.

*“This Is Just the Beginning”*
“Walk For Life is our call to action: we are asking Ghanaians to literally take a step together toward a healthier future,” Prof. Aryeetey added.

EVENT DETAILS AT A GLANCE

– Date: Saturday, 25th April 2026

– Time: 6:00 AM Prompt

– Venue: University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Legon

– Activities: 5km Health Walk | Fun Games | Nutrition & Health Talks | Group Fitness Sessions | Local Food Demonstration

– Admission: FREE Open to All

– RSVP: 054 295 3845 | 054 168 760

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