In a bid to promote the development and accessibility of traditional medicine in Ghana, the Herbal Medicine Association of Ghana paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The Association emphasized the need for wider distribution of traditional medicines across hospitals, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.
During the meeting, the Association highlighted the economic potential of herbal medicine and advocated for the integration of more herbal units into the new hospitals being constructed under the Agenda 111 project. In response, Mr. Akandoh reaffirmed his commitment to supporting traditional medicine, assuring the Association that the sector would receive the recognition it deserves.
The Minister also disclosed that the President has already included provisions for the advancement of traditional medicine in his manifesto. To further strengthen the sector, Mr. Akandoh encouraged the Herbal Association to attract investors to secure funding, reducing the financial burden on the government while fostering sustainable growth.
The Herbal Medicine Association of Ghana comprises several key organizations, including the Ghana Christian Herbal Doctors Association, Sankofa Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners Association of Ghana, and the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists.
Ghana’s healthcare system has seen significant growth in the importance of traditional medicine. The Ministry of Health has established the Traditional Medicine Practice Council to regulate and promote traditional medicine practice in the country ¹. Additionally, the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) has been working to integrate traditional medicine into the mainstream healthcare system.
The meeting between the Herbal Medicine Association of Ghana and the Minister for Health underscores the need for collaborative efforts to enhance the development and accessibility of traditional medicine in Ghana.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
