The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has opened a laboratory to conduct research and test herbal products for accreditation by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

The Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM) natural products laboratory will help to bring knowledge from its research to the doorstep of the people, the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato, said at the opening of the facility recently.

She said research required software for data analysis, stable internet, video conference facilities and computers, and appealed for help in that direction.

Prior to the unveiling ceremonies, the President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), Samuel Ato Duncan, said the facility was a bold step towards elevating plant and alternative medicine as high-value commodities for the country.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between UHAS and GHAFTRAM for a shared commitment to advancing research, enhancing the quality of plant medicines and ensuring that their products met international standards.

“This state-of-the-art facility will facilitate rigorous research, enabling us to uncover the full medicinal potential of our indigenous plants, while ensuring their safety and efficacy for users,” Mr Duncan added.

The UHAS School of Medicine-Enterprise Computing Research Laboratory, Sokode-Lokoe

He said the laboratory also had the potential to generate substantial foreign exchange for Ghana, strengthen the economy and uplift the livelihoods of many within the value chain.

Mr Duncan, who is also the founder of the Centre of Awareness Global Peace Mission, paid glowing tribute to UHAS for its unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence, saying the partnership demonstrated the power of collaboration between academia and industry.

“Together, we are charting a new course, one that not only promotes health and well-being but also positions Ghana as a leader in the global plant and alternative medicines industry,” he said.

Mr Duncan said as Ghana aspired to become a global player in plant and alternative medicines, the laboratory stood as a beacon of hope and an icon of great opportunities towards the realisation of that objective.

“With enhanced research capabilities, we can meet international benchmarks and unlock access to export markets,” he maintained.

The commissioning of the ITAM Laboratory was preceded by the commissioning of the UHAS-School of Medicine-Enterprise Computing Research Laboratory on the main campus at Sokode Lokoe, and the unveiling of health literacy board games.