The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called on Ghanaian universities and research institutions to deepen their investment in traditional medicine research, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance the nation’s healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative, Mr. Iddrisu urged the academic community to consider traditional medicine not just as a cultural heritage but as a viable scientific field that can complement conventional medicine and improve public health outcomes.
“I charge you to conduct more research into traditional medicine,” he said, noting that harnessing indigenous knowledge and natural remedies could position Ghana as a leader in alternative healthcare innovation across the continent.
The Minister cited Uganda as a model for Ghana to emulate, praising the progress made by Ugandan universities in integrating traditional medicine into formal scientific research. He encouraged local institutions to draw inspiration from their counterparts and expand collaborations in this area.
Haruna Iddrisu also used the platform to acknowledge a distinguished former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, lauding her for representing Ghana proudly on the international stage. “She made us proud by sharing Ghana’s exploits and challenges, including the need for more financing and political will,” he said.
He emphasized that political commitment from the highest levels of government is crucial to driving progress in research and development. “The one who holds the political will of our Republic is the President, and I assure you, he is fully supportive,” the Minister stated.
Addressing concerns about academic freedom, Hon. Iddrisu reassured the academic community that the government has no intention of interference. “The President has already given his assurance and the assurance of many heads of our institutions that he will work to enhance, not hinder, the academic freedom of our universities,” he said.
