30 traditional medicine facilities shut down over regulatory breaches – Traditional Medicine Practice Council

The Traditional Medicine Practice Council has shut down 30 traditional medicine facilities in the Ashanti Region after an enforcement exercise uncovered widespread regulatory violations, including the operation of unlicensed facilities and the use of unqualified practitioners.

The closures followed a 10-working-day inspection of 55 traditional medicine facilities across the region as part of the Council’s efforts to enforce compliance with Ghana’s laws governing traditional and alternative healthcare practice.

Speaking to the media on Friday, July 31, the Head of Compliance, Enforcement and Inspection at the Council, Michael Lawson, said the affected facilities would face further sanctions in addition to the closures, irrespective of any appeals they submit.

He explained that the Council, in collaboration with its legal team, would also initiate criminal proceedings against operators found to be practising without the required licences, certifications and professional qualifications.

“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,” Lawson stated.