By King Amoah
In a fervent call to action, Dr. Jude Afoakwa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nhyiraba Afoakwa Herbal Centre in Sabin Akrofroum a town along the Kumasi-Obuasi road, Ashanti Region, has urged the Ghanaian government to place a greater emphasis on the herbal industry as a means of job creation and economic transformation, particularly for the youth.
Dr. Afoakwa believes that with the right support, herbal medicines can significantly contribute to health improvements, financial growth, and employment opportunities in the country.
In an exclusive telephone interview, Dr. Afoakwa expressed his deep disappointment over the lack of governmental support for herbal practitioners, despite the acknowledged efficacy and potential of herbal medicines in treating various ailments. He lamented that the absence of financial and material assistance has hindered the growth of the herbal profession and has, unfortunately, created a fertile ground for unqualified practitioners.
These so-called “fake herbalists,” who often lack proper training, compromise the integrity of the industry and undermine the public’s perception of herbal medicine as a legitimate and effective form of treatment.
Dr. Afoakwa, a member of the Ghana National Association of Traditional Healers and the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association, emphasized the global recognition of herbal medicine as a viable source of healing.
He stated, “If given the necessary attention, herbal medicine can treat many conditions that affect our society.” He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in training numerous herbalists to contribute to the fight against the virus, demonstrating the potential impact that a well-trained herbal community can have on public health.
One of the primary recommendations from Dr. Afoakwa is for the establishment of dedicated herbal institutions. These institutions would provide crucial training and education for aspiring herbalists, thereby ensuring that practitioners possess the necessary knowledge and skills to advance their products effectively.
He believes that such initiatives could also facilitate the export of herbal products, generating significant foreign income for the country and creating sustainable jobs for the youth.
Dr. Afoakwa was also quick to denounce the practices of some herbalists who claim to derive their remedies through dreams or ancestral guidance, categorizing them as “fake.” He firmly stated that legitimate herbalists must undergo rigorous training and education to be qualified to practice, underscoring the importance of professionalism in the industry.
In conclusion, Dr. Jude Afoakwa issued a heartfelt appeal to the incoming government, urging them to prioritize the needs and challenges faced by herbalists. He argued that by addressing these concerns, the government would enable practitioners to perform their roles effectively, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.
With the right support, the herbal industry has the potential not only to enhance public health but also to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation for the youth of Ghana.
