Featured Practitioner of the Month

Dr. Albert Arthur is a trailblazer in Ghana’s traditional and alternative medicine sector and holds the distinction of being the first chiropractor in Ghana after completing his training in Spain. His pioneering efforts have significantly shaped the growth and recognition of alternative medicine in the country, making him a key figure in the industry’s development.

Dr. Arthur has been deeply involved in the evolution of the Ghana Alternative Medical Practitioners Association (GAMPA), having witnessed both the first and third iterations of the organization. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the industry led to his current role as President of GAMPA, where he continues to advocate for the rights and advancement of alternative medicine practitioners.

Legal Advocacy and Policy Influence

Dr. Arthur has been instrumental in shaping the legal and regulatory landscape for alternative medicine in Ghana. In 2010, he challenged the legality of Act 575 regarding its application to alternative medicine, a move that prompted the then Attorney General to provide a legal opinion on the matter to the registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), Torgbuiga Yaka IV. The Attorney General ruled that Act 575 could not be used to regulate alternative medicine, as it was designed solely for traditional medicine.

This legal challenge had a major policy impact, as it led to the then Minister of Health, Joseph Yieleh Chireh, issuing a ministerial directive in 2010 to provisionally regulate alternative medicine under the TMPC until a new bill was passed. The directive also allowed for two members of GAMPA to be co-opted onto the TMPC Board to serve as the mouthpiece of alternative medicine, ensuring that alternative medicine practitioners were represented in regulatory decisions and facilitating the registration of members under the TMPC.

Champion of Professional Standards

In 2024, one of Dr. Arthur’s most notable contributions includes his leadership in the legal battle against the controversial appointment of a registrar to the TMPC. Alongside other key figures, he challenged the appointment based on qualifications outlined in Act 575, arguing for proper regulatory compliance in the sector. His resilience and advocacy efforts played a crucial role in shaping policy discussions that ultimately led to the revocation of the registrar’s appointment.

Beyond regulatory matters, Dr. Arthur has been a pioneer in alternative medicine education and research. His vision has helped integrate evidence-based traditional practices into Ghana’s healthcare system, ensuring credibility and professional standards in the field.

As a dedicated leader, advocate, and pioneer, Dr. Albert Arthur’s impact on alternative medicine in Ghana is unparalleled, making him a well-deserving Featured Practitioner of the Month.