The Department of Herbal Medicine at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has honoured distinguished individuals, institutions and industry partners whose contributions have shaped herbal medicine education, research and practice in Ghana over the past 25 years.
The awards, presented during the Department's Dinner and Awards Night, formed part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the Bachelor of Herbal Medicine programme.
The Chairman of the KNUST Governing Council, Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, received an award for his advocacy and steadfast support for the Herbal Medicine programme. Vice-Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson was also honoured for her distinguished leadership and commitment to advancing the programme.
Other senior University leaders recognised included the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Christian Agyare, and the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Samuel Asare Nkansah, for their leadership and unwavering support for the Department.
The Department also honoured Professor Regina Appiah-Opong for her contributions to the scientific validation of herbal medicines and for serving as keynote speaker at the programme's 25th Anniversary Scientific Conference and Grand Durbar.
Among the institutions recognised was the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), which was honoured for its regulatory role and sustained support for the profession. The Department commended the Council for promoting professionalism and providing graduates with a credible pathway into practice.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the programme's founding fathers, former Heads of Department, pioneering lecturers, clinical instructors and long-serving staff, including Professor Stephen Yao Gbedema, Professor Isaac Ayensu and Professor Isaac Kingsley Amponsah, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for herbal medicine education at KNUST.
A posthumous award was presented in memory of former Head of Department Professor George Asumeng Koffuor in recognition of his contribution to the growth of the programme.
Several industry collaborators were also recognised for their longstanding support of the Department. They included Amen Scientific Herbal & Alternative Medical Hospital, Ebenage Herbal Production & Consult, Angel Group of Companies, Joy Industries, Amuzu Manufacturing Limited Company, PIWAK Natural Health, Kasko Herbal Limited, Vic Dank Health Care, Rooter Natural Products, Kwayisi Christian Herbal Clinic, Antwi Herbal & Spiritual Centre, V2 Herbal Care Clinic, Solak Biochemist Limited, COA Research and Manufacturing Company Limited, 777 Herbal Centre, S.O Herbal, Mr. Ebenezer Agyemang and Felicia Obeng Asamaning.
The Department also honoured Dr. Andrew William Tetteh of Kumasi South Hospital and Dr. Richmond Amo of KNUST Hospital for their selfless service in supporting the training of Medical Herbalists for more than a decade.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, Professor Isaac Kingsley Amponsah, said the awards reflected the Department's appreciation for the collective efforts that have sustained the programme over the past quarter-century and positioned it for future growth.
"The Herbal Medicine programme is what it is today because of our strong industry partners," he said, explaining that the Awards Night was the Department's way of expressing gratitude to its partners and members who contributed to the programme's success.
The Head of the Department, Dr. Bernard Turkson, concluded the ceremony by calling on stakeholders to support the Herbal Medicine Department's Legacy Project.
Story: Abigail Ofori Photos: Michael Kwawu
