The first annual International African Culture and Wellness Festival, to be held in Ghana this year was launched at Elmina in the Central Region on Wednesday.

The four-day festival which is scheduled to take place from August 9 to 12, 2012 at Elmina is on the theme: “Building a global community of wellness for the African family,” and targeted at the public as well as Africans in the Diaspora.

The Festival is also aimed at appreciating and preserving the culture and wellness of the global African family as well as bring diverse communities together for dialogue, learning, economic development and unity.

Dr Yazid Sharita, a ‘Holistic’ life Consultant, who is the Event Coordinator of the festival, said it seeks to provide a platform for African wellness products, services and organisations on an international scale.

She noted that globally, Africans were dying prematurely due to diseases such as diabetes, cancer and various heart-related diseases, adding that the Festival would teach people how to lead healthy lives, since one’s health was his or her number one asset and should therefore be well-taken care of.

Dr. Sharita urged the public to turn up in their numbers and experience the nation’s rich culture through dance as well as learn how to enjoy being healthy.

The festival is being sponsored by New Body Products, One Africa Health Resort, Queen Afua Wellness Institute and African Renaissance Foundation among others.

Activities lined up for the event include wellness workshops on nutrition, emotional healing, life management, beauty without chemicals; African drum and dance workshops, exhibitions, tours as well as a concert to climax the festival.**