The High Commission of India in Ghana has used the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations to promote yoga as a tool for health, mental well-being and community development, while highlighting its growing acceptance among Ghanaians.
Speaking at the climax of a month-long programme marking the International Day of Yoga in Accra, India’s Charge d’Affaires, Mr. V. N. Parameswaran, described yoga as one of India’s most significant contributions to global society and a practice capable of fostering harmony across cultures and communities.
The event brought together diplomats, wellness practitioners, students, yoga instructors and members of the public for demonstrations and practical sessions designed to showcase the benefits of the ancient discipline.
According to Mr. Parameswaran, yoga extends far beyond physical exercise, offering a holistic framework for improving physical health, emotional balance and mental resilience.
“For those experiencing its virtues for the first time, yoga represents a holistic framework for health and wellness that extends far beyond conventional physical exercise,” he said.
He explained that through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation, yoga provides a structured pathway toward inner peace, self-awareness and overall well-being.
The Indian diplomat noted that the annual celebration has evolved into a global movement that transcends national boundaries and cultural differences.
“Yoga serves as a powerful conduit for harmony, fostering alignment both within the individual and across communities. It transcends geographical boundaries, uniting us through the universal principles of respiration, stability and peace,” he stated.
Yoga Gains Ground in Ghana
The event also highlighted the growing yoga community in Ghana and the role local institutions have played in expanding awareness of the practice.
Special recognition was given to Accra Shala Yoga, one of Ghana’s longest-established yoga institutions, which has spent more than 15 years promoting yoga and wellness education in the country.
Mr. Parameswaran also pointed to the High Commission’s collaboration with educational institutions as part of efforts to introduce yoga to younger generations.
For the past three years, the High Commission has partnered the Presbyterian Cluster of Schools in Osu, introducing students and teachers to the principles and practice of yoga.
Students from the school joined participants from the High Commission’s yoga classes to perform a series of yoga demonstrations during the event, showcasing what organisers described as the ability of yoga to build bridges across cultures and generations.
Ghana’s Emerging Presence on the Global Yoga Stage
One of the highlights of the celebration was the recognition of Ghana’s national Yogasana team, which recently represented the country at the first-ever international Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad, India.
The eight-member team was applauded for what organisers described as a historic achievement for competitive yoga in Ghana and an indication of the discipline’s growing popularity among young people.
The team members were recognised for their dedication and for helping raise Ghana’s profile within the global yoga community.
Wellness, Inclusion and Community
The International Day of Yoga, established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by India, is observed annually on June 21 in more than 180 countries.
This year’s celebration in Ghana formed part of a broader month-long programme involving yoga sessions, community engagements and public awareness activities.
Mr. Parameswaran expressed appreciation to yoga instructors, wellness organisations, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the celebrations.
He stressed that yoga remains accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds and should be viewed as a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal transformation.
“Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, background or ability. It is a journey of self-discovery and transformation that we embark upon together,” he said.
As concerns over stress, lifestyle diseases and mental health continue to grow globally, advocates believe yoga’s emphasis on physical fitness, mindfulness and emotional well-being could make it an increasingly relevant wellness tool for communities across Ghana and the wider African continent.
