Accra: Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, has urged members of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) to adhere to standards in their practices. He emphasized that traditional medicines, also known as herbal medicines, remain an important alternative for Ghanaians, but strict adherence to their efficacy, required quantity, and hygienic processes has been a challenge in the sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Akandoh highlighted the lack of standards as a significant issue for traditional medicines, noting that consumers often face uncertainty regarding dosage and claims of curing multiple ailments. He addressed these concerns at a stakeholder meeting that included leadership from the TMPC, representatives of practitioner associations, and other members focused on enhancing the sector's value.
Mr Akandoh, who also serves as the MP for Juaboso Constituency, encouraged the Council to collaborate and invest in the sector, drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like China and India. He stressed that Ghana's traditional medicines sector should leverage local and international collaborations to access advanced technology, expertise, and machinery for improved health care delivery.
Mr Samuel Ato Duncan, Chairman of the TMPC Governing Council, noted that traditional and alternative medicine in Ghana is a dynamic sector contributing to health care, job creation, rural development, export earnings, and cultural identity. He emphasized the potential for Ghana to become a hub for integrated health and wellness tourism in West Africa and urged members to maintain quality assurance, professional practices, and evidence-based therapies.
Mr Duncan also highlighted that registrations, licensing protocols, and Codes of Ethics have elevated practitioner standards. Ongoing curriculum reviews for traditional medicine training institutions aim to align with best practices and integrate modern science. He called for strengthened research partnerships, improved supply chains, and enhanced visibility in both domestic and international markets.
Partnerships with the Food and Drugs Authority for herbal medicine quality control and with the Ghana Standards Authority for production standards are deemed necessary. Mr Duncan, also the President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), announced plans for a nationwide registration audit to update the practitioner database and eliminate unqualified operators. Additionally, an annual Traditional Medicine Research Symposium will be launched in collaboration with leading Ghanaian universities to validate indigenous knowledge into therapies.
The meeting included representatives from various practitioner associations such as GHAFTRAM, Herbalists, Traditional Birth Attendants, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Naturopaths Association, and other allied groups, along with officials from the Ministry of Health.