Traditional faith practitioners in Ghana have formally appealed to the government for inclusion in national activities. They argue that years of exclusion from state programmes have eroded the role of traditional practice in Ghana’s cultural landscape. This significant appeal was made during a mass registration, licensing, and sensitisation programme in the Ashanti Region.
The Trado-Afrikan Faith Healers Association (TAFHA) organised the event in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council. The programme, held at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture, aimed to register and license hundreds of practitioners. It also sensitised them on regulatory requirements and best practices for traditional healing.
This call for inclusion reflects a broader national conversation about cultural identity and religious pluralism within Ghana. The country has a rich history of traditional beliefs coexisting with Abrahamic religions. However, traditional practices have often been marginalised in official state functions. This marginalisation contrasts with the prominent roles given to Christian and Muslim leaders in national prayers and thanksgiving events.
Jonathan Q. Attoh, the Acting General Secretary of TAFHA, underscored the importance of recognising traditional faith in the country. He stated that traditional healing and spirituality are integral to Ghanaian identity. Mr. Attoh believes they must receive the same respect and inclusion as other religious and health practices. He cited the era of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, when traditionalists played a prominent role in national celebrations, including pouring libations during Independence Day ceremonies. This historical precedent highlights a past recognition that has since diminished.
Mr. Attoh lamented the current exclusion of traditionalists from national events. He explained that libation is not merely a ritual but a prayer connecting with ancestors and seeking blessings for the nation. Excluding this practice, he argued, means leaving out a vital part of Ghanaian identity. He also expressed concern over the exclusion of traditional faith practitioners from the National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayers activities. He urged the government to grant traditionalists equal recognition and participation alongside Christian and Muslim faiths.
Midao Kadevi, Acting President of TAFHA, explained that the association operates as a federation of practice groups. This model aims to unite diverse indigenous healing traditions under one national framework. This structure allows each recognised indigenous healing tradition to preserve its unique customs, beliefs, and leadership. It also ensures they benefit from collective representation and advocacy.
Officials from the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs used the platform to educate practitioners. They covered licensing requirements, ethical standards, and collaboration with orthodox health institutions. This registration exercise is part of broader efforts to formalise and regulate the traditional healing sector. The goal is to ensure safety, accountability, and public trust in these practices.
Nana Abass, Acting Vice President of TAFHA, stated that the mass registration will create a database of credible practitioners. This will help to identify and remove unqualified individuals, often referred to as 'quacks'. He emphasised that this initiative positions traditional healing as a key partner in achieving universal health coverage in Ghana. He also called on law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals posing as traditional herbalists without proper certification. Such fraudulent activities undermine public trust and endanger patient safety, tarnishing the reputation of legitimate practitioners.
The government's response to this appeal will be crucial. It will indicate its commitment to cultural preservation and religious inclusivity. Integrating traditional faith practitioners into national activities could strengthen national unity and promote a more holistic approach to healthcare and cultural heritage. Decision-makers will need to consider the historical context and the significant cultural value placed on traditional practices by a segment of the Ghanaian population.