Director's Welcome Message

Welcome to the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM) at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). I am Professor Kwame B.N. Banga, and it is a privilege to serve as the Director of this pioneering institute at a time of significant growth and transformation.

Since its establishment in September 2019, in line with the mandate of UHAS under Act 828 of December 2011, ITAM has become a national and regional hub for innovation, research, and professional training in Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM). We are committed to advancing the integration of evidence-based TCAM into Ghana’s healthcare system through a comprehensive approach involving education, research, product development, regulatory collaboration, and community service.

n recent years, ITAM has made important strides. We have launched Ghana’s first university-accredited Professional Practice Course for Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs), approved by the UHAS Academic Board. We also inaugurated the Natural Products Laboratory (NatPro Lab), a state-of-the-art facility equipped for the analysis, formulation, and quality assurance of herbal medicines. The lab is undergoing certification by the FDA-Ghana and WHO, reinforcing our commitment to regulatory excellence and public safety.

Our six dynamic departments, Traditional Medicine, Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Natural Products Sourcing, Education and Advocacy, Clinical Department, and Drug Production, work collaboratively to train skilled TCAM professionals, promote ethical practice, and support the development of scientifically validated natural health products.

We are proud to collaborate with key national and international stakeholders including the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM), the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH), the Ministry of Health Traditional Medicine Directorate (TAMD), the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), the Food and Drug Authority (FDA-Ghana), the World Health Organization (WHO), and research institutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. These partnerships help us shape policy, enhance capacity, and contribute meaningfully to global health agendas.

Whether you are a prospective student, a practitioner, a policy maker, a researcher, or a member of the public interested in the future of integrative healthcare, we invite you to explore ITAM. Join us in our mission to bridge tradition and science for a healthier, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Welcome to ITAM—where innovation meets heritage to transform lives.