A leading Ethiopian health scientist has praised Ghana’s Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) as a pioneering model in integrating indigenous knowledge with modern science to advance Africa’s traditional medicine research.
Professor Milkyas Endale, lead scientist from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, highlighted Ghana’s approach as one of the most effective frameworks for harnessing Africa’s biodiversity to improve healthcare. Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Monday, August 18, on the sidelines of a capacity-building workshop for the Armauer Hansen Research Institute in Addis Ababa, he stressed that linking traditional medicinal practices with modern research is critical for Africa’s development.
“The Ghanaian model is among the best recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It provides a practical pathway for research and development, product innovation, and capacity building. This is the type of collaboration Africa needs to strengthen its institutions and create a united front in healthcare,” Prof. Endale stated.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Health is reportedly seeking to replicate the Ghanaian model in Eastern Africa. According to Prof. Endale, this benchmarking initiative will help Ethiopia and other African nations build strong institutions capable of validating, standardizing, and scaling traditional medicine for wider use.
On his part, Dr. Kofi Donkor, Head of Research and Innovation at Ghana’s Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Mampong, welcomed the proposal from the Ethiopian delegation. He explained that the Ethiopian team had been introduced to Ghana’s advanced systems in laboratory management, herbal product development, and instrumental analysis of medicinal plants.
He further disclosed that discussions are ongoing to formalize a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“The MoU will outline the modalities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint innovation. This is a vital step, and we are committed to finalizing it so that both countries can begin working together towards advancing traditional medicine research across Africa,” Dr. Donkor emphasized.
Observers note that this collaboration could mark a turning point in Africa’s healthcare systems, especially as the global market for herbal and plant-based medicines continues to grow. Experts argue that formalizing research in this sector not only helps preserve Africa’s indigenous knowledge but also positions the continent as a leader in natural healthcare solutions.
Both Ghana and Ethiopia are expected to deepen their partnership in the coming months, with the anticipated MoU serving as the foundation for long-term cooperation.
