Thousands of lives could be saved each year and productivity increased if people got off the sofa and stretched their legs more, James Basintale, MTN General Manager for Northern Business Sector, has said.

According to him, walking is a free activity which could transform people’s health with substantial benefits, but lack of exercise can be risky.

Speaking to the media in Kumasi after a two-hour brisk walking exercise of MTN staff and partners dubbed ‘Health Walk’, Mr Basintale noted, “We believe that when Ghanaians are healthy that is when we can be more productive.”

He disclosed that health walk was one of the events lined up for the celebration of Ashantifest in the month of May.

“As a business, we need to give back to society by engaging people in programmes of this nature. Health walk exercises the body, the mind and this good for the people to begin a productive week with strength and vigour,” the MTN boss stated.

He explained that the MTN Ashanti festival would celebrate the culture, customs and traditions of the Asante people, while the telecommunication company would take the opportunity to brand the region with colours of MTN.

He said Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would be involved in many of the company’s activities, and mentioned the golf tournament in particular as one the king himself would be participating in.

“Otumfuo will also host a dinner to enhance the image of Ashanti Region and the cultural values the region stands for,” Basintale added.