Stories and facts
In Ghanaian oral tradition, the origins of traditional medicine, particularly among Akan tribes, can be traced back to the practices of oracles and deities.
When communities faced calamities, sickness, or epidemics, elders turned to these spiritual entities for guidance and solutions. Based on the oracles' insights, herbal concoctions were prepared and administered, laying the foundation for the evolution of traditional healing practices.
Over time, individuals with innate spiritual connections to plants, known as "Odwinsini" or herbalists, emerged. These practitioners inherited their knowledge through familial lineage, passing down generations of wisdom in plant combinations for healing. However, this knowledge remained largely undocumented, existing solely within oral traditions.
The shift towards formalizing traditional medicine in Ghana began with the establishment of the Ghana Psychic and Traditional Healers Association in 1961, under the leadership of President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
This organization aimed to uphold and promote mental and natural treatment methods in the country. Collaborating with global entities like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), initiatives such as the Danfa Health Centre were launched to train traditional birth attendants, enhancing access to traditional healthcare services.
Recognizing the significant role of traditional medicine in healthcare delivery, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established in 1968 to conduct scientific research for national development. This institution played a pivotal role in validating the efficacy of traditional herbal remedies and developing herbal-based products.
By collaborating with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the CSIR produced numerous researched herbal products, bolstering the credibility and accessibility of traditional medicine in Ghana.
In response to the growing demand for formal education in traditional medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) introduced a Bachelor's degree program in Herbal Medicine in 2001. This program aimed to equip healthcare practitioners with the necessary scientific and clinical skills to provide high-quality herbal healthcare services.
Other institutions, such as the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital and the Centre for Research into Plant Medicine, also offer training in herbal medicine, further integrating traditional healing practices into mainstream healthcare.
Today, herbal medicine in Ghana has undergone formalization and integration into the country's healthcare system. With increased scientific research, academic training, and government support, traditional medicine continues to play a vital role in complementing modern healthcare practices, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting holistic well-being in Ghanaian society.
