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Herbal medicine not main cause of kidney disease –Expert
A medical expert has cautioned that while misuse of herbal medicines can contribute to kidney damage, they are not the leading cause of kidney disease.
Dr Prince Mawutor, a researcher at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, told the Ghana News Agency that the leading causes of kidney disease remained high blood pressure, diabetes, exposure to toxic substances, arteriosclerosis and genetic factors.
He said both herbal and orthodox medicines could be beneficial when used appropriately but harmful when abused.
“Any medication can become toxic if taken in excess. Once it accumulates in the body beyond safe levels, it can damage vital organs, including the kidneys,” he stated.
Dr Mawutor cautioned that improper use of herbal medicines, particularly unregulated or unapproved ones, increased the risk of kidney damage.
He stressed the importance of purchasing only approved herbal products, noting that regulatory bodies ensured such medicines underwent safety and toxicity testing before reaching the market.
Dr Mawutor advised the public to check for proper labelling when buying herbal products, including product name, list of ingredients, usage instructions and traceable contact information.
Dr Mawutor urged individuals to consult qualified health professionals or certified medical herbalists before using any herbal medicine, especially when combining them with orthodox treatments.
He warned that self-medication and purchasing herbal products from roadside vendors posed serious health risks.
“If you are unwell, it is always best to visit a hospital and follow the proper medical process. A qualified medical herbalist can guide you on safe herbal options and how to integrate them with conventional treatment,” he said.
Dr Mawutor noted that the Food and Drugs Authority did not approve products sold in informal settings, such as from vehicles or on the streets, as they were unlikely to have undergone proper clinical trials.
He highlighted the role of regulatory institutions, including the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists, in ensuring safe production and use of herbal medicines.
Dr Mawutor acknowledged that although some patients with kidney complications had reported improvements after using herbal remedies, not all herbal medicines could cure every disease. –GNA
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![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
