Deputy Health Minister Seeks Greater Role for Traditional Medicine
The Deputy Minister for Health, Hon. Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has expressed government’s commitment to integrating scientifically validated traditional medicine into Ghana’s mainstream healthcare system, saying the sector has an important role to play in improving healthcare delivery.
She made the remarks when she visited Center of Awareness (COA) Research and Manufacturing Company, a herbal medicine manufacturing facility in the Central Region, where she met management and staff and inspected the facility to evaluate compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs):
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said Ghana could draw lessons from countries such as China, where traditional and conventional medicine complement each other, noting that greater integration could expand access to safe and quality healthcare.
She said the Government’s Free Primary Healthcare programme, with its focus on preventive and promotive healthcare, provides an opportunity to explore the contribution of traditional medicine, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
The CEO of COA Manufacturing Company, Prof. (HC) Samuel Ato Duncan, expressed appreciation to the government for efforts to develop traditional medicine to a standard that can complement national healthcare programmes, particularly the Free Primary Healthcare initiative.
He also highlighted research being undertaken by the company into the potential health benefits of its products, including areas such as cancer and viral diseases.
He said continued research and collaboration with government would help unlock the potential of traditional medicine and position the sector to contribute more significantly to Ghana’s healthcare delivery.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah said the Ministry would continue working with stakeholders to strengthen research, quality assurance, manufacturing and regulation, with the broader aim of bringing traditional and conventional medicine together in a safe and evidence-based manner.
