A Ghanaian citizen and an independent presidential aspirant, Onipayede Ossom Teye, has appealed to the government to try the use of herbal and traditional medicines in treating the COVID-19 virus.

Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, Mr. Teye said it was time we explore the role of alternative medicine and traditional remedies in the fight against the Coronavirus.

To him, Ghana has traditional medicines that can help in treating persons who have tested positive for the virus.

He believes such a step would help in transforming the herbal and traditional medicine practice in the country.

The over-dependence on foreign medicines he added has deprived our traditional medicine sector despite their role in contributing to the well-being of Ghanaians.

There is currently no known cure or vaccine for COVID-19.

Health officials, however, recommend the washing of hands and frequent usage of sanitizers as well as keeping hands off the face.

Individuals are also advised to consume Vitamin C to boost their immune system.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has submitted 33 herbal medicines for testing.

The herbal medicines are products from the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM).

The Deputy Director for the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Dr Alfred Ampomah Appiah, said in addition to the 33 received from the health ministry, it continued to receive more herbal medicines for testing.

Former President John Dramani Mahama a few weeks ago called for the use of traditional medicine in the fight against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ghana.

“It is time to explore the role of alternative medicine and traditional remedies in the fight against the Coronavirus. Some traditional medicines are known to boost the immune system and can help both in the prevention of people succumbing to the disease and also play a role, a palliative function in the management of persons suffering from COVID-19,” he said.

John Mahama made the call on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, when he announced the donation of food items to some 20,000 households in areas affected by the partial lockdown.