Government’s Advisor On Health Encourages The Use Of Traditional Medicine To Boost Ghana’s Economy

Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health has emphasized the significance of traditional medicine and the role it plays in driving the economic fortunes of the country.

He, has therefore, called for an urgent need to pay critical attention to the enhancement of traditional medicine to meet international standards.

“Natural products which include substances derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, agriculture, and various industries for medicinal purposes.

….The use of natural ingredients for pharmaceutical products, cosmetic and personal care products, nutraceutical and functional foods, and Agriculture can create jobs for the youth and hence generate revenue for the country.” He reiterated.

Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare made this known at the 2nd edition of Herbal Center Oku Ampofo Memorial (COAM) Conference which was on the theme: Herbal Medicine: A Panacea For Economic Transformation organized by the Center for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) Mampong-Akuapem in Accra.

The three-day conference organized in honor of Dr. Oku Ampofo, a great medical practitioner, artist, and pan-Africanist was preceded by a symposium on integrative medicine held on Tuesday (7th November, 2023) at the British Council.

The symposium annually draw speakers from diverse backgrounds elaborated on the importance of integrated healthcare including the role of herbal (plant) medicine in achieving sustainable healthcare and economic transformation.

Dr. Oku Ampofo is the founder and first Director of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research.

Addressing the conference, the Executive Director of (CPMR) Prof. Alex Asase noted that it is always necessary to honor Dr. Oku Ampofo for his numerous contributions toward the growth of herbal medicine in Ghana and beyond.

“Indeed, the prospects of herbal medicine in economic transformation cannot be overemphasized. Additionally, the center has so far developed 37 herbal products for the management of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Work is also in progress to improve the quality, repackaging and branding of these products for the ultimate satisfaction of our clients.

The Center has also advanced research into other important areas such as veterinary herbal medicine and herbal soaps and shampoos for skin care,” Prof. Alex Asase announced.