Rev. Prof. Ebenezer Yaw Blasu has called on traditional medicine practitioners to scale back the use of orthodox medicines and focus on regulated herbal treatments to protect the integrity of the profession.
The Director of the Allison Mary Howell-Centre for Religion, Environment, Science, and Development at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute made the call during a training programme for members of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations and the Ghana National Association of Traditional Healers held in Koforidua.
He stressed that reducing reliance on orthodox medicines within traditional healing would help eliminate quack practitioners and uphold professional standards across the sector.
The training forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Health Ghana, through the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, to clamp down on the adulteration of herbal medicines with synthetic drugs. Authorities warn that mixing herbal and conventional medicines can pose serious health risks.
Rev. Prof. Blasu noted that the growing practice of incorporating orthodox medicines into traditional remedies threatens the authenticity and credibility of indigenous healing systems. He therefore urged practitioners to prioritise well-regulated herbal preparations as a means of restoring public confidence and ensuring patient safety.
Participants at the training commended the initiative, describing it as timely and insightful. They expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would help improve their practices while aligning with national efforts to promote safe and standardised traditional medicine in Ghana.
