The Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM) is a pioneering research and academic unit of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), established under Parliament Act 828 in December 2011. In line with Section 2(2) of the Act and Articles 2(2) and 24(1a) of the UHAS Fundamental Laws, ITAM was created to support the University’s unique mandate to promote community-based health education and integrate Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) into Ghana’s healthcare system. ITAM officially commenced operations in September 2019 and remains the only university-based institute in Ghana solely dedicated to TCAM, positioning it as a national reference centre for herbal product validation, research translation, and policy support.

ITAM is committed to developing and delivering training, research, and community engagement programmes that enhance the scientific foundation and professional practice of TCAM. The Institute actively promotes public education, awareness, and advocacy to improve understanding and trust in TCAM practices. In collaboration with key stakeholders such as TAMD, TMPC, GHAFTRAM, GAMH, WHO, FDA, and GSA, ITAM also contributes to national policy, curriculum development, and capacity building in traditional medicine.

A major milestone in ITAM’s development is the establishment of the Natural Products Laboratory (NatPro Lab), a state-of-the-art herbal product research and analysis facility designed to meet WHO and FDA-Ghana standards. The lab offers services such as phytochemical screening, microbial testing, toxicological evaluation, and in-process quality assurance. It supports both academic research and the regulatory needs of traditional medicine producers, and plays a critical role in ITAM’s income generation, innovation, and product development activities.

ITAM’s multi-campus presence includes operational facilities at the Southern (Dave) Campus, where administrative and laboratory activities are conducted, and a new facility currently under construction at the Main (Sokode) Campus, which is approximately 72% complete. Additionally, UHAS has earmarked lands at Dapaa and Hlefe for the development of herbal farms to support medicinal plant cultivation, conservation, and research.