Ghana moves to strengthen scientific foundation of traditional medicine

Ghana is taking significant steps to reinforce the scientific credibility, safety, and regulation of traditional medicine as demand for herbal remedies continues to rise across the country. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with scientific institutions, universities, and the Food and Drugs Authority, is spearheading a national programme to improve the scientific foundation and quality standards that govern traditional healing practices.

Traditional medicine remains deeply rooted in Ghana’s culture and is widely used among urban and rural populations for the treatment of both minor and chronic illnesses. However, while many practices are effective and supported by generational knowledge, concerns have persisted regarding standardization, dosage accuracy, safety testing, and the regulation of herbal products. The new initiative aims to bridge these gaps and formalize traditional medicine as a reliable component of the national healthcare system.

Officials from the Ministry of Health emphasize that the time has come to blend indigenous knowledge with modern science. According to health authorities, many herbal remedies possess therapeutic properties that, if verified and standardized, could significantly contribute to Ghana’s healthcare solutions. The ministry has therefore partnered with institutions such as the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, the Ghana Standards Authority, and pharmaceutical science departments within major universities to conduct advanced research on medicinal plants.

Scientists involved in the programme say research will focus on analysing the chemical composition of medicinal plants, determining correct dosage levels, identifying potential side effects, and establishing safe preparation methods. They added that the findings will help guide the development of standardized herbal products that can be manufactured, packaged, and distributed safely across the country.

The government is also investing in the training of traditional medicine practitioners to ensure they meet regulatory requirements. Workshops, certification programmes, and technical support systems are being introduced to help practitioners understand scientific standards and adopt hygienic processing methods. This approach aims to preserve indigenous knowledge while ensuring it aligns with modern public health expectations.

Additionally, the Food and Drugs Authority is ramping up inspections of herbal manufacturing centres, with a renewed focus on quality control, product registration, and consumer safety. The authority noted that while thousands of herbal products are on the market, only a fraction have undergone full certification. Strengthening regulation will prevent harmful substances from entering circulation and protect consumers who rely on herbal medicines for their well-being.

Local healers have welcomed the government’s initiative, stating that scientific collaboration will help elevate traditional medicine and expand its acceptance both locally and internationally. Many practitioners believe that with adequate support, Ghana can develop its traditional medicine industry into a major contributor to health care delivery and economic growth.

The initiative also carries economic potential. Experts say that Ghana, with its rich biodiversity and long history of herbal knowledge, has the capacity to become a major producer of standardized herbal medicines for export. Global demand for natural remedies continues to rise, and Ghana’s structured integration of science and tradition could provide a competitive advantage.

Public health analysts argue that formalizing traditional medicine will also reduce pressure on hospitals by providing safe alternatives for managing minor illnesses. With chronic diseases increasing, a well-regulated traditional medicine sector can support conventional healthcare and increase accessibility for rural communities that may lack consistent access to hospitals.

As Ghana strengthens the scientific foundation of traditional medicine, authorities believe the country is taking a major step toward building a more inclusive and culturally grounded health system. The Ministry of Health says it is committed to ensuring that traditional medicine evolves responsibly, backed by evidence, and regulated to meet international standards. The initiative signifies a renewed confidence in indigenous knowledge and a forward-looking effort to integrate it into a modernized, scientifically guided national health framework.