Professor Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, a distinguished naturopathic professor and an esteemed advocate for traditional and complementary medicine, has made history by becoming the first naturopath in Africa to be called to the Gambia Bar.
Known for his exceptional dedication to advancing healthcare through both legal and technological frameworks, Prof. Nyarkotey is pioneering a new era in traditional and naturopathic medicine.
At just 39 years old, he is already transforming healthcare across the continent and using his legal expertise to shape a regulatory framework for traditional and complementary medicine, bringing a new level of professional credibility and public trust to the field.
In addition to his recent legal accomplishment, Prof. Nyarkotey serves as the President of Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology – Ghana’s first naturopathic medical school, which he founded to provide education in holistic health and technology.
His leadership extends further; he led a team to develop Ghana’s first National Occupational Standards in naturopathy and holistic medicine at the HND and BTech levels under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
These achievements, along with his work as General Secretary of the Ghana Alternative Medical Practitioner Association (GAMPA) and as part of the research advocacy team for the World Naturopathic Federation in Canada, underscore his commitment to raising standards and advancing the professional development of alternative medicine across Africa.
In the Gambia, Prof. Nyarkotey has supported traditional healers and pioneered evidence-based naturopathic medicine. He also used his legal training days to raise awareness of Gambia’s forgotten herbs and made them popular through his scientific writing. He has authored so many legal commentaries on the regulatory legislative framework on traditional and naturopathic medicines in the Gambia and Africa.
“With my legal qualifications, I aim to work with various African governments and health organisations to create a unified framework that supports traditional and complementary medicine,” said Prof. Nyarkotey Obu. “There is a growing demand for these practices, yet the lack of regulation often leads to misuse and public scepticism. My goal is to bring about a change in how these treatments are perceived and implemented, safeguarding public health and honouring African traditions.”
Prof. Nyarkotey is not only a renowned Naturopath, but also doubles as a Chartered Health Economist and Chartered Management Consultant. He is also pursuing a second MPhil/PhD in Law and Development at the Institute Of Development and Technology Management (IDTM) in Cape Coast, Ghana.
His research focuses on medical negligence and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), an area of critical importance for African healthcare. By promoting ADR, he aims to provide pathways for fair, non-litigious resolutions, protecting both practitioners and patients within traditional medicine.
Prof. Nyarkotey is also at the forefront of exploring artificial intelligence (AI) in traditional and naturopathic medicine, investigating ways AI can revolutionise the delivery and personalisation of natural medicines. This approach promises new, tech-enhanced treatment options for underserved communities, enabling traditional healers to leverage data-driven insights for better patient outcomes.
As a deeply committed Christian, Prof. Nyarkotey balances his professional pursuits with a strong personal faith. His determination and leadership have made him a trailblazer, setting a new standard for traditional and naturopathic medicine in Africa. His upcoming consultancy firm aims to unite healers and legal experts, offering regulatory and technological support, as well as legal protection for traditional healers.
Prof. Nyarkotey’s journey, from founding Ghana’s first naturopathic school to joining the Gambia Bar, reflects his drive to secure a place for traditional and naturopathic medicine in Africa’s healthcare landscape – building a future where it is both accessible and regulated. His visionary leadership is helping ensure that traditional medicine will be a credible, trusted and vital part of healthcare across Africa.
