CAM practitioners attend 1st GAMPA national conference

Nearly 200 practitioners and stakeholders from across Ghana's Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) sector gathered at the 1st National Conference of the Ghana Alternative Medical Practitioners Association (GAMPA), held at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Church.

The historic conference brought together representatives from various CAM professions, including naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and other complementary healthcare disciplines to discuss the future of the sector, professional development, regulation, education, and stakeholder collaboration.

The event featured speeches and presentations from several member associations affiliated with GAMPA, with leaders outlining the achievements, challenges, and aspirations of their respective professions. Speakers emphasized the need for unity, professional standards, public education, and constructive engagement with regulators and policymakers to advance Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana.

The chairman for the occasion, Dr. E.N. Mensah, delivered a keynote presentation on the historical development of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) in Ghana. Drawing on his extensive experience in public health administration, Dr. Mensah provided participants with valuable insights into policy discussions that shaped the sector.

According to Dr. Mensah, during his tenure and involvement in health sector policy development, the then Ministry of Health considered separate legislative frameworks for traditional medicine and alternative medicine. He explained that draft bills were developed to address the unique characteristics, educational requirements, and professional structures of the two sectors.

He noted that while both traditional medicine and alternative medicine contribute significantly to healthcare delivery, policymakers recognized the need to appreciate their distinct philosophies, training systems, and regulatory needs. He encouraged practitioners to continue advocating for policies that support professional development while ensuring patient safety and public confidence.

The conference also received goodwill messages from leaders across Ghana's traditional medicine sector. Representing the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), Okogye Abibiduro Nana Obiri delivered a solidarity message on behalf of traditional medicine practitioners.

In his remarks, Nana Obiri commended GAMPA for organizing what he described as a landmark conference for the CAM industry. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between traditional medicine practitioners and alternative medicine professionals, stressing that collaboration would strengthen advocacy efforts and promote the growth of indigenous and complementary healthcare systems in Ghana.

Participants described the conference as a major step toward building a stronger and more united voice for Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioners in Ghana. Discussions throughout the day focused on professional recognition, education and training, regulatory reforms, research development, ethical practice, and opportunities for collaboration among the various disciplines represented.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from practitioners and association leaders to work collectively toward advancing the interests of Complementary and Alternative Medicine while contributing meaningfully to Ghana's healthcare system.

Source: Ghana Alternative Medical Practitioners Association