Churches under the Ashanti Region branch of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) have organized a health walk aimed at raising awareness about mental health and encouraging support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
The exercise, which brought together hundreds of church members, leaders and residents, formed part of efforts by the church to promote healthy living while drawing national attention to the importance of mental well-being. Participants walked through some principal streets, carrying placards with messages that called for greater compassion, understanding and support for people experiencing mental health conditions.
Organizers of the event said the initiative was designed not only to encourage physical fitness but also to help break the stigma often associated with mental health issues. According to them, many people continue to suffer in silence because of fear of discrimination, misunderstanding and lack of support from society.
Church leaders who addressed participants during the event emphasized that mental health is just as important as physical health and should not be ignored. They noted that communities, families and faith-based institutions all have a role to play in supporting individuals who may be struggling emotionally or psychologically.
They also encouraged members of the public to seek professional help when needed and to create safe spaces where people can openly discuss their mental health challenges without fear of judgment.
Health professionals who joined the walk used the opportunity to educate participants on recognizing early signs of mental health problems and the need for timely intervention. They also stressed the importance of reducing stress, maintaining healthy relationships and adopting positive lifestyle habits.
The Ashanti ICGC leadership indicated that the church will continue to roll out initiatives that promote health and well-being among members and the wider community. They added that such activities help strengthen social bonds while contributing to national conversations on important issues like mental health.
Participants described the walk as impactful, expressing hope that it would encourage more people to pay attention to their mental health and support others who may be facing similar challenges.
