Volta Minister Urges Research-Driven Development of Traditional Medicine
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, has called for greater investment in research, effective regulation and public education to strengthen the practice of traditional medicine and enhance its safety and credibility in Ghana.
He made the call at the Volta Traditional Medicine Heritage Conference held at the Ho Technical University on Thursday.
Mr Gunu stressed the need to preserve Ghana’s indigenous medical knowledge while subjecting traditional medicine practices to scientific research, innovation and professional standards.
He urged the Traditional Medicine Practice Council to intensify public education on the responsible use of herbal medicines, particularly correct dosage, possible side effects and the need to seek qualified medical attention when necessary.
The Minister also identified traditional medicine as an area with potential to support research, entrepreneurship and employment creation in the Volta Region.
To achieve this, he called for stronger collaboration among traditional medicine practitioners, academic and research institutions, and conventional healthcare professionals to promote knowledge-sharing and improve standards in the sector.
Mr Gunu commended the organisers and stakeholders for providing a platform to discuss the development of traditional medicine. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would help protect Ghana’s traditional medicine heritage while promoting responsible practices and better healthcare outcomes.
The conference brought together the Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, Dr. (MH) Yakubu Tobor Yusuf; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. Lydia Aziato; traditional medicine practitioners, researchers, academics, traditional authorities, heads of decentralised agencies and other dignitaries.
It highlighted the importance of combining indigenous knowledge with scientific research, regulation and public awareness to strengthen the traditional medicine sector.
Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson, ISD
