The Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong, has raised concerns over key challenges affecting the growth of herbal medicine in Ghana, calling for increased government support, funding and public education to unlock the sector’s full potential.

A Senior Officer at the Centre’s Public Relations and Marketing Department, Kwadwo Asare Agyei, in an interview, identified inadequate funding as one of the most pressing issues limiting research, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

According to him, the evolving nature of global healthcare demands continuous training and advanced research, but financial constraints are slowing progress. “Capacity building and impactful research require consistent funding, and that remains a major challenge for us,” he noted.

He noted that, the centre has made significant strides in the past 50 years, developing about 32 herbal-based products used to treat a variety of ailments. According to him, the facility also runs a clinic that operates throughout the week, as well as on Saturday and relying largely on these scientifically developed products to provide healthcare services.

Despite the numerous achievements, he highlighted infrastructural deficits, particularly the need for expanded facilities and improved working spaces for researchers, as part of efforts to enhance productivity and innovation at the Centre.

Beyond funding, the officer pointed to persistent public misconceptions about herbal medicine as another major setback. He explained that many people still perceive plant-based treatments as unscientific or inferior, despite rigorous testing processes.

“All our 32 products go through strict scientific procedures to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy,” he stressed, adding that such misconceptions continue to affect acceptance and policy integration, including difficulties in enrolling herbal medicines onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The Centre is therefore calling for intensified public education to change these perceptions and promote confidence in scientifically developed herbal products.

As part of efforts to address industry gaps, the Centre has been engaging local manufacturers through training programmes focused on good manufacturing practices and modern production techniques, including the development of capsules, tablets, and other standardized forms of herbal medicine.

The institution is also urging stronger collaboration between government, researchers, and industry players to support the entire value chain from cultivation of medicinal plants to commercialization of finished products.

While acknowledging the growing global reliance on herbal medicine, as highlighted by the World Health Organization, the Centre emphasized that Ghana must invest strategically in the sector to remain competitive and fully harness its benefits.

Kwadwo Asare Agyei, also advised the public to be cautious when purchasing and consuming herbal medicines, stressing the importance of verifying regulatory approval to ensure safety.

Agyei underscore the growing concerns about unapproved and improperly processed herbal products on the market.

He explained that individuals must make it a habit to carefully read product labels before use.

“There are basic requirements every client should check,” he said, noting that approved medicines should clearly indicate certification by the Food and Drugs Authority.

He added that consumers should also confirm whether products have undergone the necessary laboratory testing and validation processes.

Agyei emphasized that product labels serve as a key source of information, helping users determine whether a medicine is safe for consumption.

“At the very least, check for the FDA registration number and other essential details to authenticate the product,” he advised.

He further acknowledged the challenges regulators face in monitoring all products on the market, given the large population. As a result, he stressed that consumers must take personal responsibility by verifying the authenticity of medicines before purchase.

Touching on the role of the Centre, Agyei noted that the institution remains open to collaboration across the entire value chain from plant cultivation and research to product development and commercialization.

He encouraged farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to partner with the Centre for mutual benefit.

On ongoing research efforts, he revealed that the Centre is conducting further studies on some of its herbal formulations, including products initially used during the COVID-19 period.

Among them are remedies for malaria, immune support, typhoid, diabetes, and stress management. Preliminary observations from clinical services, he noted, have shown promising results, prompting more advanced scientific investigations.

Mr. Agyei concluded by reiterating the need for public vigilance and continuous education, urging consumers to prioritize safety by choosing only properly certified herbal medicines.