TMPC warns public to avoid unregistered herbal practitioners during festive season
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council has issued a strong public health advisory ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, warning Ghanaians to avoid unregistered traditional medicine practitioners as activity in the sector increases during the holiday period.
In a press release signed by the Registrar of the Council, Dr (MH) Yakubu Tobor Yusuf, the TMPC cautioned that festive seasons often see a surge in demand for traditional and alternative medical services, a trend that can expose the public to serious health risks if due diligence is not exercised. The Council stressed that patronising unqualified or unregistered practitioners not only endangers lives but also undermines the credibility and standards of traditional medicine practice in the country.
The TMPC urged the public to seek services only from practitioners who are duly registered and in good standing with the Council, noting that registration is a legal requirement under its mandate. According to the release, the official register of licensed practitioners is publicly accessible and can be verified, including through licence QR codes, before any service is sought.
“This advisory also serves as a stern reminder to all Traditional and alternative medicine practitioners that, under the mandate of the TMPC, it is both a legal and professional obligation to be registered and in good standing with the Council,” the statement said. It added that only practitioners who meet these criteria are authorised to practise within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
The Council made it clear that it would enforce the law without hesitation against offenders. “Any individual found practising Traditional and Alternative Medicine without proper registration or in contravention of Council regulations will face strict sanctions,” the release stated, citing the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Practice Act, 575 of 2000. The TMPC said it was determined to apply the law to its fullest extent to safeguard public health and preserve the integrity of the profession.
Beyond the warning to the public, the Council also appealed to practitioners who are not in good standing to regularise their operations without delay. It called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal practice, emphasising that public cooperation is critical to effective regulation of the sector.
Members of the public were encouraged to verify the registration status of practitioners or lodge complaints through the Council’s website, www.tmpc.gov.gh
, or by calling the helpline on 0302965558. The TMPC said these measures were part of broader efforts to ensure a safe, healthy and peaceful festive season.
Reaffirming its commitment to high standards in traditional and alternative medicine practice, the Council called on all stakeholders to support its regulatory work, stressing that protecting public health must remain the overriding priority as Ghanaians celebrate the end of the year.
