By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The Ministry of Health has marked the 23rd African Traditional Medicine Day and the 26th Traditional Medicine Week with a call to strengthen the scientific and regulatory foundations of traditional medicine in Ghana.
The event, held on behalf of the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted government efforts to integrate evidence-based herbal medicine into the national health system.
According to Dr. Anastasia Yirenkyi, Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the theme, “Strengthening the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine,” reflects the government’s commitment to improving research, safety and integration of traditional medicine. “The theme reflects the government’s commitment to improving research, safety, and the integration of herbal medicine into the national health system,” she said.
Dr. Yirenkyi also pointed to the contributions of key institutions including the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, and the University of Health and Allied Sciences, in partnership with the Food and Drugs Authority and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council.
She said these collaborations help ensure product quality and ethical practices. “These institutions, in collaboration with the FDA and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, ensure the quality of products and adherence to ethical practices,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations and Chairman of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, cited progress such as the licensing of over 6,000 practitioners, certification of more than 50 herbal manufacturing facilities, and the establishment of traditional medicine units in 55 district hospitals.
“We have licensed over 6,000 practitioners, certified more than 50 herbal manufacturing facilities, and established traditional medicine units in 55 district hospitals,” he noted.
He also acknowledged challenges facing the sector, including resource constraints and public misconceptions, and called for stronger collaboration and increased funding.
“We face resource constraints and public misconceptions and therefore need stronger collaboration, increased funding and better protection of traditional knowledge,” he noted.
Dr. Yirenkyi, speaking on behalf of the Ministry, reaffirmed government’s resolve to advance evidence-based practice to support national health and development.
“The Ministry is committed to advancing evidence-based traditional medicine to support national health and economic development,” she said.
