The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has called for renewed collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen the regulation, safety, and growth of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (TAM) in Ghana.
The call came during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held on September 4, 2025 at the Ministry of Health auditorium in Accra, attended by 28 associations and more than 100 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, regulatory agencies, practitioners, and media partners.
Key Messages from the Engagement:
- Over 70% of Ghanaians rely on traditional medicine at some point in their lives.
- Government has reaffirmed its support for TAM, making it part of the 24-hour economy agenda.
- TMPC is rolling out digital systems to improve registration, licensing, and monitoring.
- Stakeholders committed to fight quackery, misinformation, and poor standards.
Quotes:
“Traditional medicine is more than a cultural inheritance—it is a driver of health, jobs, and national identity. We must
professionalise and protect it.” – Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, TMPC Board Chair
“This sector will play a key role in Ghana’s 24-hour economy. We encourage practitioners to form cooperatives,
cultivate medicinal plants, and invest in safe herbal research.” – Minister of Health
Resolutions Adopted:
- More regular stakeholder engagements.
- 3. 4. Enforcement of licensing and registration.
Stricter guidelines to curb quackery.
Stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Health to integrate TAM into the national health system.
Fact Box: Traditional Medicine in Ghana
- Act 575 (2000): Establishes TMPC.
- Market size (2023): GHC 1.7 billion.
- Global TAM industry: $200 billion.
- WHO: Recognises TAM as key to universal health coverage.
