The Traditional Medicine Practice Council has announced plans to prosecute operators of illegal traditional medicine facilities in the Ashanti Region after shutting down 30 centres found to be operating in violation of Ghana’s regulatory requirements.
The closures followed a 10-working-day enforcement exercise during which the Council inspected 55 traditional medicine facilities across the region to assess compliance with laws governing traditional and alternative healthcare practice.
According to the Council, the inspection uncovered widespread violations, including unlicensed operations, the use of unqualified practitioners, and the absence of the required certifications and professional approvals.
Speaking to the media, Michael Lawson, Head of Compliance, Enforcement and Inspection at the Council, said the enforcement exercise was intended to protect public health and uphold professional standards in the traditional medicine sector.
He said the Council would pursue additional sanctions against the affected facilities, regardless of any appeals submitted by operators.
“Most of the facilities we have closed have appealed to the Council. However, the Council is considering sanctions and will pursue the necessary legal action against facilities found to be operating illegally,” he said.
Mr. Lawson disclosed that the Council, working with its legal department, would initiate criminal proceedings against operators found to have practised without the necessary licences and qualifications.
The enforcement action forms part of the Council’s broader efforts to strengthen regulation of traditional and alternative healthcare services and ensure that practitioners meet the standards required under Ghanaian law.
The Council has urged all traditional medicine practitioners to regularise their operations and comply fully with licensing and professional requirements to avoid similar enforcement action.
