Collaborative work between traditional healers and medical doctors in coming up with a cure and treatment plan among the Dagomba of Ghana since 1900

Abstract

This study is a historical investigation into the contribution of traditional medicine in proffering healing solutions among the Dagomba people of Northern Ghana. The discussion of the paper is centered on the healing occupations such as traditional bonesetters, traditional birth attendants, diviners and the nature of their knowledge, practice, and their relationship with the formal health sector practitioners. Significantly, the study paid particular attention to the collaborative work between traditional healers and formal sector doctors in a rapidly changing socio-medical systems in coming up with a treatment plan and cure among the Dagomba. The study employed a qualitative research approach which dwelled on both primary and secondary sources to respond to the questions posed in the study. A careful analysis of primary and secondary data revealed that indigenous medicine has been the dominant tool the Dagomba people have utilized in proffering healing solutions to their primary health care needs since time immemorial. The study concludes among other things that collaborations should be encouraged between universities or training institutions, the ministry of health and the relevant international actors such as the World Health Organization to appraise and further roll out disciplines on indigenous knowledge and medicine, and to provide perspectives on health, illnesses and cultural orientations about health that are more useful in contemporary times within the local context.