Renowned traditional spiritualist Nana Kwaku Bonsam has made a passionate appeal to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to intensify its oversight and clamp down on the activities of certain Ghanaian herbal practitioners whom he describes as “criminals in disguise.”
Speaking on Akoma Mu Nsɛm show on Akoma 87.9 FM, a show hosted by Beatrice Spio-Garbrah, the outspoken traditionalist expressed deep concern about the unethical practices within the local herbal medicine space.
The conversation, themed “Faith vs. Medicine,” explored how spiritual beliefs influence health decisions in Ghana.
“I will beg the FDA to take a serious look at this issue because the majority of Ghanaian herbal practitioners are criminals,” Nana Kwaku Bonsam said bluntly on June 27.
“They use one product and label it differently for different illnesses, sometimes claiming the same drug cures stroke, diabetes, infertility, and more. That’s dangerous and deceitful,” he stressed.
He cited a particular herbal drug that is currently being sold as a remedy for stroke, despite its harsh bitterness and tendency to cause indigestion.
According to him, the risks associated with such products are real and far-reaching.
Nana Kwaku Bonsam also raised alarms about how some herbal practitioners travel to China to acquire diagnostic equipment without any proper training or understanding of their use.
“They don’t know what they are doing. It’s all part of the act to appear professional, but it’s misleading and harmful.”
The traditionalist warned that the unchecked practices of such individuals are contributing to the rise of chronic illnesses in the country and therefore called for a full audit of herbal operations nationwide.
“If we don’t hold them accountable, they will continue to cause more harm than healing,” he added.
The show, Akoma Mu Nsɛm, continues to delve into deep and controversial topics affecting Ghanaians, especially in areas of health, belief, and culture.
