All set for Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists Annual Conference

All set for the 2026 annual conference of the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH) slated for Wednesday 22nd to Friday 25th, July 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

The conference, under the general theme "Strengthening Evidence-Based Practice for Global Health and Sustainable Development: The Role of the Medical Herbalist," is focusing on positioning medical herbalists at the center of national and global health solutions.

It also seeks to promote evidence-based herbal medicine practice and research through scientific presentations and clinical case discussions and explore the role of Medical Herbalists in advancing primary healthcare and sustainable development.

According to GAMH, in a statement copied to the Modern Ghana News in Accra on Monday, it was explained that the conference also seeks to strengthen collaboration among healthcare professionals, regulators, and stakeholders.

It would also provide the platform for the discussion of policy and regulatory issues affecting training, practice, and product standards and advocate for improved employment opportunities, career progression, and welfare for Medical Herbalists.

The association said other activities to be undertaken during the conference would focus on developing actionable recommendations to strengthen the integration of herbal medicine within Ghana’s healthcare system.

About 500 participants, including Medical Herbalists, other healthcare professionals, representatives of professional associations, officials from the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, members of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, academic and research institutions, pharmaceutical and herbal medicine industries, and development partners, as well as students and trainees, will attend.

At the close of deliberations, GAMH expects to produce a conference communique with clear policy recommendations for government and partners.

Other anticipated outcomes include stronger interdisciplinary collaboration among health professions, increased commitment to research and innovation in herbal medicine, expanded advocacy for workforce integration, and concrete steps toward ensuring a sustainable supply of quality-assured herbal medicines in health facilities nationwide.

Meanwhile, the GAMH has extended an open call for collaboration to all stakeholders committed to evidence-based and integrated healthcare.

The association said the future of healthcare must be inclusive, research-driven, and sustainable.

"We welcome partners who share our vision of a health system where herbal medicine contributes meaningfully to accessible, affordable, and quality care for all Ghanaians," it stated.

Organizers say the four-day gathering comes at a critical time as Ghana works to expand Universal Health Coverage and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and well-being.

They said herbal medicine remains a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in Ghana, supporting primary healthcare, disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of chronic conditions.

“Medical Herbalists serve as a vital bridge between indigenous knowledge systems and modern scientific healthcare practice through research, clinical service, public health interventions, and policy engagement.

"The healthcare landscape continues to evolve and demands innovative, sustainable, and evidence-based approaches. Medical Herbalists have a unique role to play in ensuring that herbal medicine is safe, effective, and integrated into mainstream health systems," GAMH stated.

GAMH expressed concern that despite progress in integrating herbal medicine, persistent challenges still exist, including workforce development, limited career progression pathways, employment opportunities, access to quality-assured herbal medicines, research funding, and full implementation of existing policies.

The association stressed that these gaps underscore the need for sustained stakeholder engagement and collaborative action across government, academia, industry, and development partners.

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