Yoga in Accra with AwoYoga
In this episode of `Those Who Gather`, we sit down with Awo, the soulful force behind AwoYoga. From grounding Vinyasa flows in the city to sunset sessions by the beach, Awo is creating safe spaces where movement, mindfulness, and Ghanaian soul meet. What began as a personal lifeline has grown into a community learning to breathe again in a chaotic world.
The Essentials
Hello, welcome to "Those who Gather". Can you tell us who you are, and what you host on Gaderin?
I am a mystery yet to be unraveled, haha! But on a more serious note, I am an earth child, a yoga girlie, wellness enthusiast, and the spiritual hype woman behind AwoYoga.
Awo is my actual name; one of my many names but I guess that is everyone’s favourite at the moment.
I host deeply intentional yoga (Vinyasa and Hatha mainly) and meditation sessions that blend movement, mindfulness, and a sprinkle of Ghanaian soul. From grounding sessions in the city, lovely sunset flows, and calming flows by the beach, I create safe spaces where you can slow down, stretch out, and reconnect.
Give us the backstory. How did this all begin?
AwoYoga started as a personal lifeline. I struggled a bit with anxiety disorder. I was burnt out, overwhelmed, and searching for peace that didn’t feel performative. I needed therapy that was sustainable.
Yoga found me literally during one of my lowest moments, and I fell in love with how it held space for both strength and softness. It was my cognitive therapy; yoga quiets my mind.
So I started sharing that space with others. What began as a few mats on the sand and in a few peoples’ personal homes is now a growing community of people learning to breathe again in this chaotic and capitalist world.
What’s the experience really like beyond the promo caption?
It’s a whole vibe (this is no chat). There’s movement, sure but also laughter, deep inhales and exhales, the occasional “how did I get this flexible?!” moment, the “omg I can’t do this” moments, and lots of barefoot honesty.
It’s a space where people come as they are, cry if they need to, stretch beyond the physical, and leave feeling lighter even if they walked in with the weight of the week.
Style, Vibes & Rituals
Walk us through a hosting day — what’s your routine?
First thing? I whisper a little prayer not to forget my sequence, playlist, or mantra cards. I do a short self-practice, review my theme or journaling prompt for the class, maybe drink a smoothie, and pack way too much love and light to share.
Then I head out to set up the space—vibe check, energy check, mat alignment, blocks, scented candles, citronella, and oh! make sure all the plants are breathing fine!
By the time students start to arrive, I'm already in soft teacher mode, smiling like a proud cat mom. Golden hour is one of my fav moments so you get the memo.
What do you wear when you host? Do you have a go-to style or signature look?
Signature look is to always wear my personality and smell divine haha. But yeah, comfort meets cuteness. Always. Think earthy tones, leggings or shorts, my spiritual ink peeking through, with my Adinkra yoga mat as my most iconic accessory.
Sometimes I’m in beige, sometimes in black, but always in goddess energy.
What music sets the tone for your sessions?
Ooooh! Everything from Jhene (I love her like mad) to Londrelle’s soulful tracks, a sprinkle of sound healing bowls and frequencies, and the occasional ocean wave sound effect and even afrobeats (we’re dramatic like that).
My Apple Music/Spotify is a moodboard! Send momo for the link haha.
Signature scent, drink, or pre-hosting ritual?
Signature scent for the class? Think anything shea butter or woody and oh, frankincense & lavender oils, always.
I am a matcha babe but weirdly I don’t drink that before or during class. I drink electrolytes before class and coconut water after.
I also light the scented candles/citronella in the space or spray my favorite calming mist while affirming that everyone walks out lighter than they came.
Mind Behind the Moment
What inspired this experience and what do you want people to feel?
I wanted to create a space where people didn’t have to hustle to find peace. A gentle rebellion against chaos.
I want people to feel held, just breathe like they finally have room to just be. No performance, no pressure. Life is always stress-free on the mat!
What’s the most unexpected thing a guest has ever said or done?
Someone once fell asleep during savasana. I didn’t even wake her up. We love rest (next time I’ll cover the person with a blanket. Sleep is a lovely concept!). Another time, a guest traveled from a whole different region to attend the class and after the class she said, “this felt like therapy and i feel healed” ( a few students have received healing in class and that warms my soul).
And oh another student also manifested things or goals and I saw the manifestations irl. Sheesh! Many magical moments now that I think about it. Also, someone asked me on a romantic date after the class (very unexpected haha)
How do you keep things fresh every time?
I don’t just teach yoga I teach stories and curate moments. Every class has a theme, a vibe, a journey.
One day we’re exploring self-love, another day mindfulness colouring, and the next it’s healing through movement. The sequence shifts, the music shifts, the energy always flows.
Off-Duty
What’s your idea of the perfect Saturday in Accra?
Hmmm, interesting one. I’m an active girl so I exercise or do some movement in the morning for sure, then have a calm café moment with my matcha.
Half the time you’d find me at a café drinking matcha or chai latte and just relaxing. But it really depends—I can be spontaneous and sometimes my weekends are really busy.
What local spot do you swear by that’s still kind of under the radar?
Eissh, local spot?? My taste is weird so let’s circle back on this one. Or maybe I’m gatekeeping my favs. I can whisper it to you after class.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I crunch numbers. So yeah spreadsheets by day, downward dog by night (or vice versa). The duality is realllll!
Big Picture
At Gaderin, our mission is to help people gather differently by making space for real connection, creativity, and shared experiences. What does “gathering differently” mean to you?
It means creating spaces that feel like soul hugs. Where people can drop the masks, stop performing wellness, and just exist. Have fun, find a community. Messy, whole, and human!
I sound so bohemian but hey, I can’t help it haha.
In a sentence, why should someone book your experience?
Because your mind, body, and soul deserve to unite and exhale fully. Because Accra we dey but you still need some calm.
Hosting in one word?
Alchemy