The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) of Ghana has intensified its efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing the country’s alternative and complementary medicine sectors. In a press release dated September 27, 2024, the Council announced that many practitioners in alternative and complementary medicine were unaware of the requirement to register themselves and their facilities with the TMPC, in accordance with the Traditional Medicine Practice Act of 2000 (Act 575).
The TMPC is responsible for regulating traditional medicine practices in Ghana. The mandate, established under the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, requires practitioners to be registered, certified, and operate from licensed premises.
The Council emphasized that failing to comply with these regulations will result in penalties, as part of its broader enforcement campaign.
The press release clarified that the scope of the Council’s oversight also includes alternative and complementary medicine practitioners (ACMPs).
While the Act initially focused on traditional medicine, a Ministerial Directive in 2008 extended the Council’s regulatory responsibilities to cover various alternative and complementary medical practices, as defined under Section 42 of the Act.
The Council listed a broad range of alternative medical practices regulated under its jurisdiction.
These include acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, holistic dentistry, naturopathic medicine, and physiotherapy, among others.
Practitioners engaging in activities such as massage therapy, childbirth support, and wellness restoration are also required to seek certification and license their facilities through the TMPC.
The TMPC urged all practitioners in these fields to ensure compliance by becoming certified and registering their facilities, warning that non-compliance could lead to sanctions.
