Kumasi: The Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) has celebrated women in active service for their tremendous and positive contributions in society and the country at large. Female cultural officers from all the district offices of the CNC in the Ashanti Region, the Ghana Library Authority, Ghana Museums and Monument Board, and Ghana Tourism Authority converged at the Kumasi Cultural Centre to be celebrated.
According to Ghana News Agency, the women, adorned in 'Kaba' and slit African print styles, participated in discussions on stress management and hypertension. Additionally, women staffers of the performing arts department of the CNC showcased their unique skills in drumming local drums and singing praise songs to commend the strength of women. Health personnel from the Kumasi Metropolitan Health Directorate were also present to check the blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) of the women for counselling.
Ms. Araba Abokoma Essuman, the Ashanti Regional Deputy Director of the CNC, noted that the event was part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of the Ashanti Regional CNC this year. Celebrating women under the theme: 'Healthy Women, Stronger Workforce,' she emphasized the challenges working women face in balancing jobs, home management, and personal development, underscoring the need for education on stress management.
Ms. Lovelace Adu-Gyamfi, the Mental Health Coordinator at the Kumasi Metropolitan Health Directorate, explained that while stress is not a disease, it can trigger other illnesses if not managed promptly. She cited personal relationships, parenting, child abuse, poor working conditions, work overload, and financial challenges as common stressors, warning of the severe consequences of chronic stress, including cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and diabetes.
Ms. Adu-Gyamfi advised that relaxing, sufficient sleep, healthy eating, exercising, counselling, socialising, listening to music, meditation, and distractions are effective stress management strategies. She urged women not to become overwhelmed by their multitasking abilities and to take time off work to rest and rejuvenate.