James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister says physical activities are among the most effective ways to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.

He said in an era where sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits had led to a rise in obesity and chronic illnesses, engaging in regular sports activities could serve as a preventive and curative measure.

Mr Gunu said this in an address delivered on his behalf by Mr Jerry Ameko, Adaklu District Chief Executive on the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace.

The Day is an annual celebration of the power of sports to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding and is celebrated on 6th April every year.

This year’s celebration is themed " Healthy Communities, Stronger Nations: The Role of Sports in Public Health.”

“When communities embrace sports as a culture, they cultivate healthy individuals, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems and promoting longevity,” he said.

Mr Gunu said studies had shown that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other ailments.

“The result will be a population that is not only physically fit but also mentally resilient, reducing prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression,” he noted.

The Minister explained that sports had broken social barriers and built relationships that transcended personal differences adding, “it has the power to bring peace where there is conflict, understanding where there is division and hope where there is despair.”

He noted that it also helped young people found purpose and stay away from negative influences and built careers and called on all stakeholders to continue supporting sports infrastructure and programmes that provided opportunities for all, especially the youth.

The Minister intimated that sports was a unifying force that transcended boundaries of age, gender, race, and economic status.

He said from the young child playing football on the street to the professional athlete competing on the world stage, sports had the power to inspire, educate and transform lives.  

Mr Gunu noted that to fully harness the benefits of sports for public health, government, corporate bodies, and civil society should work together to invest in sports facilities, promote physical education in schools and organize community-based sports programmes.

“Let us prioritise the construction and maintenance of community parks, stadiums, and recreational centers where people of all ages can engage in sports,” he emphasized.

He said the Volta Region would continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ghana Health Services, and other relevant institutions to promote policies that encouraged active lifestyles among the people.

Mr Gunu noted that a healthy nation was a productive one, adding, “when we invest in sports, we invest in the well-being of our people and the future of our country.”

He called on all to embrace sports as a vital component of public health and national development.

Present were Prof. Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, Prof. Nii Korley Kortei, Acting Dean, School of Sports and Exercise Medicine also of UHAS, Mrs Joyce Datsa, Volta/Oti Regions Director of Sports of the National Sports Authority and Mr. Kwesi Tetteh Amanor, Chief Executive Officer, Republic Trust Company Limited.