By: Henrietta Afful
The Herbal Medicine Association of Ghana has called for increased support for traditional medicine in the country.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister for Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Association highlighted key challenges facing the sector and underscored the need to expand the availability of traditional medicines in hospitals to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.
Additionally, the Association emphasized the economic potential of herbal medicine and advocated for the inclusion of more herbal units in the new hospitals being constructed under the Agenda 111 project.
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In response, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh reaffirmed his commitment to supporting traditional medicine, assuring the Association that the sector would receive the recognition it deserves.
He said President John Dramani Mahama had already incorporated provisions for the advancement of traditional medicine in his manifesto.
To further strengthen the sector, the Minister encouraged the Herbal Association to attract investors to secure funding, which would help reduce the financial burden on the government and promote sustainable growth.
The Herbal Association of Ghana includes several prominent organizations, such as:
- 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 emphasized the growing role of traditional medicine in Ghana’s healthcare system and the need for collaborative efforts to enhance its development and accessibility.
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