The Executive Director of the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA CONSULT), Francis Ameyibor, has urged Ghanaians to make healthy living a topmost priority resolution for this year.
He stressed that adopting a healthy lifestyle was crucial for reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases and improving public health outcomes.
The CDA CONSULT Executive Director noted, “Without healthy living, all other New Year resolutions are meaningless.
Foundation
“You can’t pursue your goals, dreams, and aspirations if you’re not healthy enough to do so. A healthy lifestyle should be the foundation upon which all other resolutions are built,” he said.
Mr Ameyibor, a holistic health advocate, stressed, “Without healthy living, you cannot serve God well; you need to be a healthy person to serve God and enjoy the blessings of God.”
At the CDA Consult fortnightly health information platform, dubbed *”Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility,”* Mr Ameyibor explained that the initiative aims to promote health communication and provide a platform for sharing information that can influence personal health choices through improved health literacy.
The CDA CONSULT Executive Director highlighted several harmful lifestyle practices, including excessive consumption of sugary and processed foods, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor sleep habits.
He also noted that neglecting mental health and stress management is equally detrimental to healthy living, emphasising that “we must consciously avoid these practices to take care of the body.
Promote healthy living
To promote healthy living, Mr Ameyibor encouraged Ghanaians to change their lifestyle by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and also engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or sports.
He also encouraged people to practice stress-reducing techniques, get adequate sleep, prioritise rest, limit screen time and sedentary activities, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Additionally, he recommended incorporating regular massage therapy to relax muscles and improve circulation, as well as setting aside time for meditation, reading of God’s word, prayer, and fasting to nourish the spirit and soul.
Mr Ameyibor emphasised the importance of spiritual nourishment in maintaining overall well-being, explaining that “a healthy lifestyle is not just about physical health; it’s also about spiritual health.”
He stressed that regular meditation, reading of God’s word, prayer, and fasting could help reduce stress and anxiety, increase a sense of purpose and meaning, improve mental clarity and focus, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a sense of community and connection with others.
CDA CONSULT, a member of the Ghana Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations in Health, promotes healthy living through various initiatives, including the Cervical Cancer Prevention Change Paradigm Advocacy Campaign.
The campaign seeks to improve public knowledge, dispel myths about cervical cancer screening and immunisation, and encourage widespread participation in prevention efforts.
The organisation also collaborates with health professionals, advocates for holistic health, and encourages regular visits to health facilities—not only when people are sick but also for routine check-ups to maintain wellness.
Regular check-ups
Mr Ameyibor urged Ghanaians to take control of their health by prioritising regular check-ups and screenings, embracing healthier lifestyles, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise, and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting health and well-being in the communities.
“Let’s make 2026 a year of prioritising our health and well-being,” Ameyibor said.
“A healthy Ghana is a prosperous Ghana.”
Mr Ameyibor also emphasised the need for Ghanaians to accelerate efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal Three (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
Mrs Beatrice Kayi Gbesemete, CDA Consult, Health and Wellness Advocate, also reiterated the need for workers to make the issues of health their topmost priority, stressing, “Prioritise your health and adopt more conscious lifestyles.”