In a bid to strengthen cooperation between regulators and the media, the leadership of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), an agency under the Ministry of Health, has paid a working visit to the National Secretariat of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG).
The TMPC delegation, led by its Registrar Dr. Michael Kyeremateng, along with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations, Numo Blafo III, was warmly received by PRINPAG’s National President, Andrew Edwin Arthur and his team. The meeting centered on enhancing the partnership between the two organizations to more effectively regulate the herbal medicine industry and build public confidence in the sector.
“As the regulatory body for traditional medicine practitioners, we acknowledge the media’s vital role in disseminating information and shaping public perception,” said Dr. Kyeremateng. “This visit demonstrates our commitment to building a collaborative relationship with PRINPAG to advance the safe and ethical practice of traditional medicine in Ghana.”
Key areas of discussion included raising public awareness of the TMPC’s mandate, legal frameworks, and enforcement measures. Both parties also explored opportunities for training workshops to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge for accurate reporting on traditional medicine regulations and industry developments.
“We are thrilled about the possibilities this partnership offers,” remarked Andrew Edwin Arthur, President of PRINPAG. “Our members are ready to collaborate closely with the TMPC to ensure that traditional medicine practitioners in Ghana uphold the highest standards, giving the public confidence in the herbal products and services they receive.”
One of the outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to establish a dedicated team of journalists specializing in traditional medicine reporting. This initiative will further strengthen the synergy between the regulatory body and the media, ensuring responsible coverage of the sector.
The discussion also addressed concerns raised by the TMPC regarding the exploitation of practitioners by unregulated associations and the growing presence of unauthorized traditional medicine practices, particularly online.
Through this partnership, TMPC and PRINPAG aim to foster a more transparent, regulated, and trusted traditional medicine industry in Ghana, benefitting both practitioners and consumers alike.
Also in attendance at the meeting were PRINPAG’s Executive Secretary, Jeorge Wilson Kingson, and Treasurer, Madam Fordia Amenyah.