Fewer than 15,000 of the estimated 100,000 traditional medicine practitioners across the country are officially registered, the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) has revealed.
Speaking in Accra at a media launch marking the 2026 African Traditional Medicine Day, TMPC Registrar Dr (MH) Yakubu Tobor Yusuf highlighted that this severe shortfall hinders effective regulatory supervision.
To address the gap, the council has established new regional and district outlets over the past six months to expand access to registration. It has also actively engaged district-level practitioner associations.
Nationwide enforcement operations have resulted in the inspection of over 500 premises, leading to immediate closures where public safety was compromised.
“We found out that the numbers are mind-boggling. Over 100,000. Now the ones that we’ve worked with, I said we’ve visited over 500 premises,” Dr Yusuf stated.
The TMPC is also targeting online sales, having tracked more than 500 uncertified operators marketing remedies via social media platforms.
“Tell the public to stay away from some of these people unless they are licensed practitioners and have been licensed to do so,” he warned.
Consumers are urged to demand proof of certification before undergoing treatment. All legitimate facilities must display a valid licence containing a scannable QR code for instant authentication.
“To the Ghanaian public: before you are treated, ask to see the licence. It must be displayed on the wall,” Dr Yusuf emphasised.
In addition, the council is collaborating with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Registered herbalists may administer fresh, tailor-made remedies directly to patients. However, any pre-packaged, labelled, or branded herbal products must undergo formal FDA testing and registration.
Unlicensed practice carries stiff legal penalties under Ghanaian law. Practitioners operating outside the regulatory framework face summary conviction, fines up to 500 penalty units (GH¢6,000), a two-year custodial sentence, or both.
The Registrar confirmed that one practitioner in the Volta Region has already been apprehended and faces prosecution.
“Practising without a licence, you could go to jail for two years,” Dr Yusuf noted, adding that licences are subject to mandatory annual renewals.
