Contemporary History of The Increasing Use of Traditional Medicine Among The Asante of Ghana:

A Focus on Afigya Kwabre South District

Abstract

Using a qualitative method of research, the study investigated the increasing use of traditional medicine in Ghana using Afigya Kwabre South District as a case study. Traditional medicine has gone through various stages since time immemorial especially with regard to how its patronage has evolved over time. From pre-colonial era when it was the only source of remedy for the entire continent of Africa including Ghana, the colonial period marked another phase when European influence diverted the attention of Africans from the use of traditional medicine to orthodox medicine. The post-colonial era has witnessed emphases on medical pluralisation (concurrent use of traditional medicine and orthodox medicine). In the 21^st century, traditional medicine practices have undergone several changes. The use of traditional medicine seems to be gaining traction in health care delivery in Ghana. This article pays attention to varied reasons that have accentuated these changes over time. The reasons include demographics, economic status, patient-doctor interaction and many more.