Private basic schools in Wa embark on a health walk to promote pupils’ fitness

Several private basic schools in Wa, Upper West Region, have embarked on a health walk aimed at promoting physical fitness and instilling healthy lifestyle habits among pupils.

The hours exercise, which took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, brought together pupils, teachers, and some educati on stakeholders clad in school-branded T-shirts and uniforms walking through the principal streets of Wa township amid cheers and music.

The initiative forms part of efforts by the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), to encourage regular exercise and ensure that learners remain physically and mentally fit for academic work.

Mumuni Sulemana, the Municipal Chairperson for Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), who spoke on the sidelines of the walk said the event marks the climax of the Association’s week-long celebration with emphasis on response to growing concerns about sedentary lifestyles among children.

“By virtue of how we handle our kids these days, most of them don’t walk anymore. They go to school by vehicle or motorbike and return the same way. As an association, we see this as problematic, and that is why we are encouraging this kind of activity,” he stated.

Mumuni Sulemana warned that lack of exercise, coupled with poor eating habits, exposes children to serious health risks, including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

“We know that most of them are diabetics, and obese, because they eat junk and fatty food without exercising”.

According to him, regular physical activity is essential to prevent such conditions and keep pupils fit for academic work.

Sulemana noted that the health walk forms part of broader activities lined up for the celebration.

He disclosed that final-year pupils had earlier participated in a mock examination to prepare them for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), while a municipal talent hunt is also scheduled to identify and nurture gifted students.

Some teachers also highlighted that the health walk was not only a fitness exercise but an opportunity to educate pupils on healthy living practices, including proper nutrition, personal hygiene, and the importance of routine medical check-ups.

Some pupils who participated in the walk expressed excitement about the activity, describing it as both fun and refreshing.

By Ibrahim Wangara