The Herbal Medicine Association of Ghana has called on the government to prioritize the development and integration of traditional medicine into the national healthcare system.
The Association made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, emphasizing the economic and health benefits of promoting herbal medicine in Ghana.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted key challenges facing the traditional medicine sector, including limited access to hospitals, inadequate funding, and over-reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.
They urged the government to implement policies that would allow wider distribution of traditional medicines across hospitals, ensuring that Ghanaians benefit from locally produced, effective herbal treatments.
The Association also advocated for the inclusion of herbal medicine units in new healthcare facilities being constructed under the Agenda 111 project.
According to them, this would enhance healthcare accessibility, create employment opportunities, and boost the country’s economy by reducing the cost of imported drugs.
In response, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed his commitment to supporting traditional medicine, assuring the Association that the government recognizes the sector’s importance.
He disclosed that the President’s manifesto already includes provisions to advance herbal medicine in Ghana.
To ensure sustainable growth, the Minister encouraged the Herbal Medicine Association to attract investors who can help finance the industry, reducing the financial burden on the government. He noted that with the right investments, traditional medicine could play a vital role in national development and healthcare delivery.
The Herbal Medicine Association of Ghana comprises several key organizations, including:
- Ghana Christian Herbal Doctors Association (GCHDA)
- Sankofa Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners Association of Ghana (STHMPAG)
- Ahaban Nnouro Nkabom Kuo (ANNK)
- Ghana Association of Faith Healers & TBA (GAFH-TBA)
- Ghana Association of Women and Youth in Herbal Medicine Practice
- Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH)
The meeting underscored the growing importance of traditional medicine in Ghana’s healthcare system and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure its recognition, development, and accessibility.
