The Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) has extended heartfelt congratulations to President John Dramani Mahama on his "resounding" victory in the December 7, 2024 elections and his successful swearing-in as President of Ghana on January 7, 2025.

In a statement jointly signed by GHAFTRAM President Professor Samuel Ato Duncan and General Secretary Okogye Abibiduro Nana Kwadwo Obiri, the Association commended President Mahama for his continued support for the integration of traditional medicine into Ghana’s public health system.

The congratulatory message praised President Mahama’s pivotal role in advancing traditional medicine, referencing his statement during Ghana’s Founder's Day Celebration in May 2016.

At that time, President Mahama advocated for the integration of herbal medicine units into public health facilities to provide patients with alternative treatment options.

GHAFTRAM said this policy initiative has stood as a testament to President Mahama’s belief in and commitment to traditional medicine, which continues to benefit Ghana's healthcare delivery.

Call to support the “Green Gold Ghana” initiative

While extending their congratulations, Professor Ato Duncan emphasised the need for Ghana to capitalise on the economic potential of traditional medicine.

He urged President Mahama to support the "Green Gold Ghana" initiative launched by GHAFTRAM on October 18, 2024.

The initiative seeks to develop plant-based medicinal products into high-quality, exportable commodities with the potential to generate up to $5 billion annually in foreign exchange.

Professor Duncan expressed optimism that this project could play a key role in Ghana’s economic recovery and growth while strengthening the health sector.

GHAFTRAM also congratulated Ghana’s first female Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

Professor Duncan called on the government to include approved herbal medicines in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure that traditional medicine becomes more accessible to Ghanaians.

A retrospective commitment to traditional medicine

General Secretary Okogye Abibiduro Nana Kwadwo Obiri commended President Mahama’s longstanding advocacy for traditional medicine.

He recalled the President’s remarks on April 14, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he urged the nation to explore the role of traditional remedies in boosting immunity and managing the disease.

Quoting President Mahama’s statement, “It is time to explore the role of alternative medicine and traditional remedies in the fight against the Coronavirus,” Nana Kwadwo Obiri reaffirmed GHAFTRAM’s readiness to collaborate with the government and research institutions to advance the traditional medicine sector.

Optimism for the Future

Nana Kwadwo Obiri expressed confidence in President Mahama’s leadership and experience to transform the traditional and herbal medicine sector into a thriving industry.

He reiterated GHAFTRAM’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that would promote traditional medicine as an industrial hub for Ghana.

GHAFTRAM extended blessings to President Mahama’s administration, expressing hope that it would thrive like "a tree planted by the side of living waters, whose leaves never wither but bear fruit even in dry seasons."

The Association reaffirmed its dedication to working with the government to promote traditional and herbal medicine as a critical pillar of Ghana’s healthcare and economic development.