Ghana has renewed its commitment to strengthening the scientific foundation and regulatory framework of traditional medicine as the Ministry of Health marked the 23rd African Traditional Medicine Day and the 26th Traditional Medicine Week.
Representing the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Dr Anastasia Yirenkyi, highlighted that this year’s theme, “Strengthening the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine,” reflects government’s determination to improve research, safety, and the integration of herbal medicine into the mainstream health system.
Dr Yirenkyi commended key institutions driving advancements in the sector, including the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University of Ghana, and the University of Health and Allied Sciences. These institutions continue to collaborate with the Food and Drugs Authority and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) to maintain product quality and uphold ethical and regulatory standards.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations and Chairman of the TMPC, outlined the sector’s achievements. These include the licensing of more than 6,000 practitioners, certification of over 50 herbal manufacturing facilities, and the establishment of traditional medicine units in 55 district hospitals.
However, he noted that despite the progress, challenges such as limited resources and public misconceptions persist. He called for deeper collaboration, increased investment, and stronger measures to protect Ghana’s indigenous medical knowledge.
Dr Yirenkyi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting evidence-based traditional medicine that enhances national health outcomes while contributing to socio-economic development.
