Young Learners Explore the Science Behind Traditional Healing
Pupils from The Roman Ridge School have visited the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) at Mampong-Akwapim in the Eastern Region, as part of an educational initiative aimed at deepening young people’s understanding of Ghana’s rich medicinal plant heritage and the science behind traditional healing practices.
The visit introduced students to the vital role of medicinal plants in healthcare and the ongoing research efforts to validate and modernize traditional remedies for safe and effective use in Ghana’s health system.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
The interactive session exposed the pupils to the laboratory processes, conservation efforts, and scientific methods used in transforming indigenous plant knowledge into evidence-based medicine.
Officials of the CPMR walked the students through the various departments of the Centre, including phytochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical research units, where active studies on plant-based medicines are being conducted.
“We want young Ghanaians to appreciate that plant medicine is not superstition — it’s science rooted in our culture,” said a senior researcher at CPMR.
“The future of medicine in Africa lies in our ability to combine traditional wisdom with modern research.”
CPMR’s Role in Advancing Herbal Medicine
Established in 1975, the Centre for Plant Medicine Research is Ghana’s premier institution dedicated to the scientific study, development, and promotion of herbal and plant-based medicines. The Centre operates under the Ministry of Health, providing research support to herbal medicine practitioners and helping ensure the quality and safety of herbal products on the Ghanaian market.
Its work contributes to Ghana’s broader vision of integrating traditional and complementary medicine into the national healthcare delivery system — a policy supported by the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC).
Nurturing Curiosity and National Pride
Teachers from The Roman Ridge School described the field trip as an eye-opening experience that connected classroom science to Ghana’s indigenous knowledge systems.
“This visit has helped our pupils see how science, culture, and health can work together,” said a teacher accompanying the group. “It’s an experience that inspires both curiosity and national pride.”
Students were also encouraged to pursue careers in science, research, and environmental conservation, as Ghana continues to develop its natural medicine industry.
Looking Ahead
The educational visit reflects a growing recognition of the need to pass traditional knowledge to younger generations, ensuring that Ghana’s medicinal plant heritage remains alive through research, innovation, and education.
As one researcher noted, “When the youth understand the power of plants, they will protect them — and that means protecting the nation’s future.”
