By Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Accra, June 18, GNA – The Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), under the auspices of the National Commission on Culture (NCC) and in collaboration with the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Greater Accra, has launched the 2026 Traditional Herbal Medicine Exhibition in Accra.
The exhibition is scheduled to take place from July 1 to July 3, 2026, at the Arts Centre in Accra.
The event, on the theme: “Resetting Through Nature: The Power of Traditional Medicine on Nation Building,” seeks to highlight the vital role traditional medicine continues to play in healthcare delivery, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, research, and national development.
Okogyeabibiduro Nana Kwadwo Obiri, General Secretary of GHAFTRAM, who chaired the launch, said the exhibition would provide a platform for practitioners, researchers, manufacturers, cultural institutions, policymakers, investors, students, and the general public to interact, share experiences, showcase innovations, and promote the advancement of the traditional medicine sector.
He noted that the exhibition would also showcase Ghana’s rich traditional medicine heritage, promote public awareness and education, encourage research and innovation, and create networking and business opportunities for practitioners.
Additionally, it would strengthen collaboration between cultural institutions and stakeholders in traditional medicine, while contributing to national efforts aimed at developing a sustainable and globally competitive traditional medicine industry in Ghana.
Nana Obiri said the exhibition reaffirmed the commitment to preserving and promoting one of Ghana’s most treasured assets—its indigenous knowledge systems and traditional medicine heritage.
He explained that the event was being organised by the NCC in collaboration with GHAFTRAM because traditional medicine was deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Ghanaians.
“Long before the advent of modern healthcare systems, our ancestors relied on nature’s resources and indigenous knowledge to promote health and wellbeing. Today, that knowledge remains relevant and continues to serve millions of people across Ghana and beyond,” he said.
“Traditional medicine is an integral part of our cultural heritage, and its preservation is essential for future generations.”
He urged traditional medicine practitioners, educational institutions, regulatory bodies, development partners, media organisations, and the general public to actively participate in the exhibition.
“Let us use this platform to celebrate our heritage, promote our indigenous knowledge, and demonstrate the immense contribution traditional medicine continues to make towards nation-building,” he added.
Mr Wakefield Ackuaku, Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, said traditional herbal medicine was not merely an aspect of Ghana’s past, but remained an important cultural and economic asset with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.
He noted that the herbal medicine sector had enormous potential to generate employment across cultivation, processing, research, packaging, marketing, tourism, and export.
He therefore stressed the need for documentation, research, quality assurance, and responsible promotion to ensure that traditional herbal medicine continued to benefit present and future generations.
“Let us embrace our indigenous knowledge, not as a relic of history, but as a strategic national asset,” he said.
Mr Ackuaku indicated that the National Commission on Culture has this year aligned its activities with the Black Star Experience, a flagship national initiative aimed at showcasing Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, creativity, and innovation to the world.
He said the thematic focus for June was “Herbal Medicine, Science and Technology,” reflecting the Commission’s commitment to highlighting the intersection of indigenous knowledge, scientific advancement, innovation, and sustainable development.
He explained that the launch of the exhibition formed part of the Commission’s contribution to the Black Star Experience agenda.
“Through this initiative, Ghana seeks to demonstrate that traditional herbal medicine is not only an important part of our cultural identity, but also a sector with significant potential for research, value addition, entrepreneurship, healthcare, tourism, and economic growth,” he said.
“By showcasing our indigenous medicinal heritage under the Black Star Experience, we are promoting a uniquely Ghanaian story—one that celebrates our traditions while embracing science, technology, and innovation as drivers of national transformation.”
He added that the approach aligned with the vision of President John Mahama to reset the nation by harnessing Ghana’s own strengths to create jobs, stimulate enterprise, and build a prosperous and resilient economy.
“By resetting through nature and investing in our cultural heritage, we can create jobs, stimulate innovation, improve livelihoods, and build a prosperous Ghana,” he said.
Mr Eric Ohene-Larbi, Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Greater Accra, said traditional medicine remained one of Ghana’s unique treasures, having existed long before modern healthcare systems.
“Our ancestors relied on nature’s abundant resources for healing and wellness. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, continues to serve millions of Ghanaians today,” he said.
He noted that highlighting traditional medicine through such exhibitions not only preserved an important aspect of Ghana’s cultural heritage but also contributed to the objectives of the Black Star Experience.
“By showcasing Ghana’s indigenous knowledge systems to both local and international audiences, we are promoting our cultural identity and heritage,” he added.
The launch was attended by representatives from government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, officials of the National Commission on Culture, and traditional medicine practitioners.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Writer: Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Email: [email protected]