The Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has inducted 48 Graduate Medical Herbalists into professional practice at its 7th Medical Herbalists’ Induction Ceremony, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to advancing primary healthcare through research-driven herbal medicine integration.
Held on 11th June, 2026, at the British Council Auditorium in Accra under the theme, “Advancing Primary Healthcare through Research-Driven Herbal Medicine Integration,” the ceremony brought together policymakers, regulators, healthcare professionals, researchers, academics, and key stakeholders to celebrate another milestone in the growth of medical herbalism in Ghana.
In the welcome address of the Registrar of the TMPC, Dr. (MH) Yakubu Tobor Yusuf, urged the newly inducted Medical Herbalists to embrace research, innovation, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. He further encouraged them to document indigenous knowledge, strengthen the scientific evidence base for herbal medicine, and serve with professionalism, particularly in underserved communities.

Chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Isaac Ayensu, called for a decisive shift from folklore-based practice to scientifically validated herbal medicine, stressing that safety, efficacy, and standardisation must remain the foundation of modern medical herbal practice.
The keynote address, delivered on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Bampoe, by Dr. Evelyn Abayaah-Isaah, Acting Administrative Secretary of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, highlighted the growing role of research-driven herbal medicine in strengthening primary healthcare and advancing Universal Health Coverage. Dr. Evelyn Abayaah-Isaah also encouraged greater female participation in the study and practice of Medical Herbalism, urging more young women to pursue careers in the profession.
Also, in the address of the President of the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH), Dr. Ashong, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to fostering collaboration among practitioners, researchers, regulators, industry players, and development partners to advance evidence-based herbal medicine in Ghana.
She highlighted the establishment of the GAMH Job Center, serving as an initiative designed to connect Medical Herbalists with employment and career opportunities across healthcare institutions, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, academia, entrepreneurship, and international collaborations. The platform, she noted, will also serve as a hub for career development, mentorship, professional networking, and workforce expansion.
Dr. Ashong further underscored GAMH’s commitment to the welfare of its members, noting the Association’s continued support during periods of bereavement, illness, and other personal challenges. She encouraged the newly inducted Medical Herbalists to embrace continuous learning, research, mentorship, and scientific publication, while remaining committed to ethical, evidence-based, and patient-centred care.
Describing the modern Medical Herbalist as “a clinician, researcher, educator, innovator, entrepreneur, public health advocate, and agent of change,” she urged the new professionals to let evidence guide their practice, integrity define their conduct, and compassion shape their service to society. She also assured them of GAMH’s continued commitment to advocating for their professional growth, welfare, and recognition.
The ceremony also featured fraternal messages from the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana College of Pharmacists, and several other regulatory bodies, universities, healthcare institutions, and professional associations, which all reaffirm their collective commitment to collaboration, research, quality assurance, and integrated healthcare delivery.
The induction of the 48 Graduate Medical Herbalists marks another significant step in Ghana’s journey towards a healthcare system where traditional medicine is strengthened by scientific research, effective regulation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
In closing, the TMPC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting research excellence, professional standards, and strategic partnerships that will position medical herbalism as a trusted and integral pillar of Ghana’s healthcare system. The Council called on the newly inducted practitioners to serve with integrity, innovation, and excellence for the benefit of all Ghanaians.