THAG Calls for Government Aid in Herbal Medicine


The National President of the Traditional Herbalist Association of Ghana (THAG), Mr. B.K. Asare, has appealed to the government for support to strengthen the traditional medicine industry. He made this call during the inauguration of THAG and its 28th Anniversary celebration held at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Conference Hall in Madina, Accra.


Mr. Asare emphasized that traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare and provides employment for many Ghanaians, from herbal collectors to processors and sellers. However, he noted that financial constraints make it difficult for practitioners to register their products with regulatory bodies like the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). He, therefore, urged the government to provide financial assistance, training, and regulatory support to help the industry thrive.


“As an association, we ensure that only registered members sell herbal medicine. We also organize training sessions to help practitioners properly prepare their medicines. However, many of our members struggle to afford the costs of product registration. If the government steps in, it will benefit the industry and the nation,” he said.


He also justified the decision to rename the association from the Northern Sector Traditional Herbalist Association to the Traditional Herbalist Association of Ghana (THAG), explaining that the previous name created the false impression that the group was only for Northerners. “We operate across the country, so we changed the name to reflect our national presence,” he added.


Government’s Role in Integrating Traditional Medicine


Speaking at the event, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, the Municipal Director of Health for La Nkwantanang Madina, acknowledged the significant role traditional medicine plays in Ghana’s healthcare system. She noted that some hospitals, including LEKMA Hospital and Shai Osudoku Hospital, have trained medical herbalists working alongside orthodox practitioners.


She, however, stressed the need for improved collaboration and proper referral systems. “Many people rely on alternative medicine, and we are ready to work with traditional practitioners. But we must ensure timely referrals for cases that require orthodox care to prevent complications,” she stated.


Dr. Kutsoati also reiterated that traditional medicine is recognized within the Ghana Health Service and that the Ministry of Health has policies to integrate it into mainstream healthcare. However, she cautioned against unregulated practices, emphasizing the importance of proper training and product testing.


The event highlighted the need for greater government support in regulating and promoting traditional medicine in Ghana. Is the headline good





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Royal Jamong Family Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Interference in Bunkpurugu Chieftaincy Dispute

Image
The Royal Jamong Family of Bunkpurugu has expressed deep concern over what it describes as political interference by Vice President Dr. Mahamud Bawumia and the NPP parliamentary candidate for Bunkpurugu, Mr. Solomon N. Boar, in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute surrounding the Bunkpurugu skin. In a strongly-worded statement, the family accused the two politicians of exerting undue pressure on the National House of Chiefs, a move that they believe undermines the integrity of the chieftaincy institution. The family pointed to recent comments made by Abuba, who claimed that his uncle, Vice President Bawumia, had promised to ensure that a pending judgment in the chieftaincy case would be delayed indefinitely. This, the Royal Jamong Family warned, is a "sad development and a recipe for disaster." The family has also documented Mr. Boar's activities, including a recent trip to Accra with Abuba to meet the Vice President. This has led the family to question the motivations behind ...
Read more

Superior Prophet Michael Opoku Calls for Unity After Court Victory

Image
The African Faith Tabernacle Church has emerged victorious in a protracted legal battle over its leadership. Superior Prophet Michael Opoku Nkansah, the successor of the late Superior Prophet David Nkansah II and head of the church worldwide, addressed a press conference to announce the landmark ruling by the Adenta High Court. The conflict began nearly three years ago when Prophet Michael Opoku Nkansah was appointed as the church’s Superior Prophet following the passing of his predecessor. His appointment, in accordance with the church’s constitution, was challenged by a faction within the church who opposed his installation. This group filed a series of legal actions, including an application to restrain him from performing his duties and a contempt motion against him and eight other chief pastors. In a decisive ruling on January 17, 2024, the Adenta High Court dismissed both the injunction and the contempt application. The case reached its climax on December 10, 2024, when the court...
Read more

Physician Assistant Accuses Tema Court of Bias, Issues Ultimatum Over Child Custody Battle

Image
Dr. Nathaniel Acolatse, a Deputy Chief Physician Assistant at Ga West Municipal Hospital, is challenging the Tema TDC Court to make public the court order his former wife, Maria Fianyo, claimed to have received. According to Maria, the judge at the Tema TDC Court instructed her to take custody of their children and warned her not to allow Dr. Acolatse any access to them. Dr. Acolatse questions the legitimacy of this order and dares the court to release the unedited Social Enquiry Report. "I challenge the Tema TDC Court to make public the supposed court order Maria Fianyo claims to have received, instructing her to take the children and barring me from seeing them," Dr. Acolatse stated. "I also demand that the court release the full, unedited Social Enquiry Report. The issue revolves around a decent apartment where my children were happily staying versus an uncompleted building where Maria was residing—a choice that the Tema TDC Court inexplicably preferred." Dr. Aco...
Read more