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Apostle Dr. Samuel Amagashie, Chief Executive Officer of Amegashie Herbal Clinic, has called on former President John Dramani Mahama to provide critical support to herbal medicine practitioners in Ghana. In a recent media interview, Dr. Amagashie emphasized the urgent need for President Mahama to assist in overcoming the numerous challenges facing the sector. He revealed that herbal medicine practitioners have already engaged with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and are now looking to President Mahama to ensure the necessary support is provided to develop the industry.
“We need President Mahama’s support to help us overcome the challenges faced by the herbal medicine industry. We have already initiated discussions with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and we are now appealing to President Mahama to help address these pressing issues,” Dr. Amagashie said.
One of the primary concerns raised by Dr. Amagashie is the lack of formal training for herbal practitioners in Ghana. He stressed that without proper education and training, herbal treatments cannot be practiced safely and professionally. He appealed to the government to establish formal training programs that will equip practitioners with the necessary skills to provide effective and safe care to the public.
Dr. Amagashie further called for the creation of a Herbal Medicine Board, similar to the Cocoa Board, which would regulate and oversee the sector. He emphasized that the establishment of such a board would help maintain high-quality standards, monitor production, and provide the oversight needed to ensure the sector grows in a structured and sustainable manner.
“It would help organize the industry, regulate the quality of herbal products, and provide a platform for the sector’s growth,” he explained.
In addition to training and regulation, Dr. Amagashie highlighted the need for financial support to boost production in the sector. He pointed out that with adequate funding, the industry could increase its capacity to produce and export herbal products to international markets, generating much-needed foreign revenue for Ghana.
“We have the potential to produce high-quality herbal medicines, but we lack the financial resources to scale up production,” Dr. Amagashie said. “With government support, we can increase production, meet the demands of the local and international market, and make Ghana a leader in the global herbal medicine industry.”
The demand for herbal medicine is growing worldwide, with increasing recognition of the benefits of natural treatments. Ghana, with its rich biodiversity, is well-positioned to tap into this expanding market. However, the sector faces challenges, including the lack of formal training, limited regulation, and inadequate financial resources. Dr. Amagashie’s appeal to President Mahama is a call for urgent intervention to unlock the full potential of the herbal medicine sector.
“The government’s support is essential to ensuring that Ghana’s herbal medicine sector thrives,” Dr. Amagashie concluded. “With the right policies, training programs, and financial backing, we can make herbal medicine a cornerstone of Ghana’s healthcare system and economy.”
Dr. Amagashie’s call for action represents a critical moment for the herbal medicine industry in Ghana, as it seeks to expand and gain recognition both locally and internationally. The sector’s potential to contribute to Ghana’s economic growth is substantial, and with the right support, it could play a major role in the country’s future development.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
