A prominent retired public health expert, Dr. E.N. Mensah, has commended the naturopathic profession for establishing structured professional education in Ghana and challenged other Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) disciplines to emulate the achievement.
Speaking at the 1st National Conference of the Ghana Alternative Medical Practitioners Association (GAMPA), held at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Church on June 4, 2026, Dr. Mensah noted that naturopaths currently stand out among CAM professions in Ghana for having established a dedicated training institution aimed at producing qualified practitioners.
According to him, the future growth, recognition, and credibility of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana depend largely on the development of formal educational pathways, professional standards, and research-driven practice.
“Only naturopaths have a training school in Ghana. Other CAM professions such as chiropractic, homeopathy, and related disciplines should follow this example if they want to strengthen their professions and gain wider recognition,” he emphasized.
Dr. Mensah explained that his observation was informed by the composition of GAMPA’s membership, where a substantial majority of practitioners are naturopaths. He noted that more than 70 percent of GAMPA members are naturopaths who received their professional education from Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine. According to him, this demonstrates the importance of structured education and professional training in building a vibrant, organized, and sustainable healthcare profession.
He further encouraged other CAM disciplines, including chiropractic, homeopathy, and related fields, to invest in formal education and training institutions to ensure professional growth, quality assurance, and long-term recognition within Ghana’s healthcare system.
The conference brought together approximately 200 practitioners and stakeholders from various branches of Complementary and Alternative Medicine across Ghana to deliberate on the future of the sector, professional regulation, education, research, and collaboration among practitioners.
GAMPA, the umbrella body for CAM practitioners in Ghana, represents more than six mother associations and serves as a platform for advocacy, professional development, and stakeholder engagement within the alternative medicine sector.
Dr. Mensah, a respected former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, is widely recognized for his contributions to public health administration in Ghana. During his distinguished career, he played a key role in strengthening public health systems, guiding the implementation of Ghana’s National Blood Policy, and advocating for the integration of plant medicine and traditional healthcare approaches into mainstream health delivery.
Participants at the conference welcomed Dr. Mensah’s remarks, describing them as a call for greater professionalism, institutional development, and unity within the CAM community. Many agreed that establishing accredited training institutions and strengthening professional associations would enhance public confidence in alternative medicine practices and contribute to national healthcare delivery.
The conference concluded with renewed commitments from practitioners to work collectively toward advancing Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana through education, research, ethical practice, and constructive engagement with policymakers and regulatory authorities.
Source: Ghana Alternative Medical Practitioners Association
