By Samuel Yaokumah
Mampong-Akuapem (E/R), Sept. 8, GNA – The Centre for Research into Plant Medicine (CPMR) at Mampong-Akuapem has launched its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of herbal innovation, scientific research, and contributions to public health in Ghana.
The launch, held at the Africa Trade House, Exim Bank Auditorium in Accra, was themed “Health and Wealth Power of Plants: Five Decades of Innovation in Plant Medicine Research and Development.”
It drew leaders from Ghana’s plant medicine community, government agencies, and corporate partners, including the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, Food and Drugs Authority, National Vaccine Institute, Ministry of Health, Kasapreko Company Ltd, and Atlantic Life Insurance Company.
Executive Director of CPMR, Prof. Alex Asase, paid tribute to the centre’s founder, Dr. Oku Ampofo, recalling its modest beginnings at Obikyere, Mampong-Akuapem in 1975, serving only 60 to 80 clients daily.
“Through vigorous scientific activities, we have developed about 30 herbal medicines for managing important diseases,” he said, citing products such as Herbetine Herbal Powder, Amen Fevermix Capsules, Ayisaa Opinto Herbal Tea, and URO 500 for prostate conditions.
He noted that vaccines and herbal products developed at the centre are now administered in district hospitals nationwide and highlighted the centre’s role in training clinical laboratory assistants to support public health regulation.
Prof. Asase called for herbal medicine to be included in the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and urged greater investment in anti-snake venom research and treatment of chronic diseases. He also pointed to challenges including limited infrastructure, inadequate human resources, and lack of modern equipment.
Representing the Eastern Regional Minister, Akuapem North Coordinating Director Alhaji Shamrock Gafaru congratulated the centre and encouraged youth participation in medicinal plant farming.
“This could empower the youth with knowledge and economic opportunities while preserving traditional medicine and cultural heritage,” he said.
He also stressed the need for biodiversity cooperation to ensure sustainable raw materials and urged investment in research on the medicinal properties of plants such as tomatoes. He linked this to the government’s 24-hour economy initiative and export development programmes aimed at boosting productivity and jobs.
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Mr. Sammy Awuku, hailed the milestone as proof that Ghana’s natural resources can drive both health and economic development.
“I am proud to celebrate 50 years of science meeting tradition—of plants meeting progress and research meeting results,” he said.
He commended the centre for producing 32 standardized herbal products and urged stakeholders to plan for the future. “Anniversaries are not only for retrospection but also for foresight. If we achieved this in 50 years, imagine what we can do in the next 50.”
The launch climaxed with the official unveiling of the 50th anniversary logo by the Mamponghene, Nana Abotekyihene, and other dignitaries amid fireworks.
GNA
Editing by D. I. LAARY/Audrey Dekalu