The Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) has officially launched the West African Traditional Medicine Cooperation and Exchange Centre (WATMCEC) under the theme “Traditional Medicine, Modern Impact: A West African Collaboration” on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Ghana, Legon, marking a historic step toward advancing traditional medicine in the sub-region.
The initiative aims to strengthen traditional medicine through research, certification, and cross-border collaboration, bringing together practitioners, policymakers and international experts to advance healthcare in the region.
In his keynote address, Mr. Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President of HCOWAA, declared: “Africa is rising—and with it, so must our systems of healing.” He emphasized that WATMCEC will serve as a hub for academic research, capacity building, and cross-border partnerships, ensuring credibility and sustainability in traditional medicine practices.
“This Centre is not just a think-tank—it is an action Centre, in the coming months, we will launch practitioner certification programs, document herbal remedies clinically, and establish a scientific advisory board to guide our efforts.” He stated.
Dr. Anastasia Yirenkyi, Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, urged stakeholders to move beyond ceremonial gestures and focus on tangible outcomes. “Today’s launch must signal our collective resolve to transform intent into impact. “We must build enduring networks, deliver measurable results, and move from ideas to implementation.” She pointed out.
Dr. Linduan Hao, an acupuncturist from the 14th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team to Ghana, highlighted the importance of global knowledge exchange. “Ghana’s traditional medicine is a treasure, but it faces challenges like insufficient research and international collaboration. WATMCEC will create an open platform for cross-border learning.”
Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, Founder of COA Research and Manufacturing Co. Ltd, stressed the need for unity: “Collaboration is essential to unlock the full potential of traditional medicine in West Africa.”
Dr. Yakubu Yusuf Tubor, Registrar of Ghana’s Traditional Medicine Practice Council, reaffirmed the commitment to integrating modern technology with traditional knowledge. “We will promote research, innovation, and collaboration to ensure traditional medicine plays a key role in national healthcare.”
Dr. Ohene Kwabena Safo, General Manager of Kantanka Pharmaceuticals, added a bold call to action: “There is cost and risk in action—but far greater cost in comfortable inaction. Progress demands action!”
Professor Kofi Busia, Pro Vice Chancellor of Pentecost University, underscored that science and tradition should complement each other. “Science asks, ‘Can this be measured?’ Tradition answers, ‘It has worked for generations.’ Together, they refine—not negate—each other.”
Prof. Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, Director for Traditional and Alternative Medicine, emphasized the role of technology: “If AI is the future of healthcare, traditional healers must be part of that future.”
The event concluded with the swearing-in of WATMCEC’s board executives, a pledge of commitment, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU’s) to solidify partnerships. Attendees engaged in networking sessions, signaling a strong start for the Centre’s mission.
With its launch, WATMCEC through HCOWAA is poised to revolutionize traditional medicine in West Africa—through research, policy advocacy, and global collaboration. As stakeholders unite under this initiative, the Centre promises to elevate indigenous healing practices while integrating modern scientific validation for a healthier future.
