The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced the appointment of Dr. Kofi Turkson as the new Head of Department for Herbal Medicine, a move hailed by many as a turning point in Ghana’s quest to elevate herbal medicine through science, education, and innovation.
This appointment comes at a crucial time when Ghana’s herbal medicine industry is seeking greater credibility, standardization, and research-driven advancement.
Dr. Turkson is widely recognized for his scholarly depth, clinical insight, and commitment to research in herbal therapeutics. His academic journey has been marked by groundbreaking studies in phytotherapy and the pharmacological potential of Ghanaian medicinal plants.
He has long championed evidence-based integration of herbal remedies into formal healthcare, mentoring the next generation of herbal scientists and practitioners.
The Department of Herbal Medicine at KNUST remains the only one of its kind in West Africa to offer a full undergraduate degree in Herbal Medicine — an achievement that has positioned Ghana as a regional leader in herbal medical education.
With Dr. Turkson now at the helm, stakeholders anticipate renewed focus on:
- Strengthening collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH).
- Expanding research and clinical validation of local medicinal plants.
- Enhancing student training and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Under Dr. Turkson’s leadership, the department is expected to play a central role in building bridges between academia and industry, transforming research outcomes into safe, standardized herbal formulations for both domestic and international markets.
Experts predict his tenure could be a game-changer, potentially establishing KNUST as a continental hub for herbal and natural medicine innovation.
Already, Dr. Turkson has expressed interest in expanding community outreach programs, policy advocacy, and regional partnerships to promote herbal medicine as a credible contributor to public health and economic development.
Dr. Kofi Turkson’s appointment as Head of Department marks the beginning of a new chapter for herbal medicine in Ghana — one that promises to blend tradition, science, and leadership into a model of health innovation for Africa and beyond.
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