The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), in collaboration with the Ghana Skills Development
Fund (GSDF) and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Machinery Co. Ltd., is currently undertaking a specialized
training program aimed at equipping herbal practitioners with the technical skills required for the
production of solid dosage forms of herbal medicines.
This training forms part of CPMR’s ongoing commitment to building capacity within the herbal medicine
industry and ensuring high standards in the production of safe, effective, and scientifically validated
herbal products. Through this initiative, participating herbalists are being introduced to state-of-the-art
pharmaceutical machinery and technology recently acquired by the Centre to enhance local production
processes.
The program focuses on practical, hands-on training in the operation and maintenance of these
machines, covering key processes such as granulation, tablet compression, capsule filling, and coating.
These skills are essential for the production of solid dosage forms, including tablets and
capsules—dosage forms that offer precision, convenience, and consistency for both producers and
consumers.
Speaking at the launch of the program, the Executive Director emphasized the importance of technology
transfer and capacity building in positioning Ghana’s herbal medicine industry for both local and
international markets. The Centre aims to empower herbalists to adopt modern manufacturing practices
that align with global standards and regulatory requirements.
CPMR extends its gratitude to the Ghana Skills Development Fund and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals
Machinery Co. Ltd. for their invaluable support in making this training possible.
This initiative underscores CPMR’s role as a leader in the development, standardization, and promotion
of herbal medicine in Ghana and beyond.

The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) was honoured to host Her Excellency Juliette Bynoe-
Sutherland, the Ambassador of Barbados to Ghana, on her official and maiden visit to the Centre. This
significant visit marks a crucial step in reinforcing the collaboration and partnership between the
Government of Barbados and CPMR in the field of plant medicine research and development.
During the visit, Her Excellency was warmly received by Prof. Alex Asase, the Executive Director of
CPMR, along with some Management Committee members. The visit provided an opportunity for the
Ambassador to familiarize herself with the Centre’s cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and
ongoing projects that align with Barbados’ vision of integrating plant-based medicine into its healthcare
and pharmaceutical sectors.
Discussions focused on strengthening existing ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation,
particularly in areas such as medicinal plant research, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and
sustainable utilization of plant resources for healthcare solutions. The visit underscored the shared
commitment of both institutions to advancing scientific innovation for the benefit of public health.
Her Excellency expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasized the importance of
strategic partnerships in harnessing the full potential of plant medicine. She reiterated Barbados’
commitment to deepening its collaboration with CPMR in research, education, and policy development.
The Centre remains dedicated to fostering international partnerships and looks forward to a fruitful
collaboration with Barbados in achieving mutual objectives in plant medicine research.
Stay connected with us for more updates on our initiatives and collaborations!

CPMR #Barbados #PlantMedicineResearch #Innovation #Collaboration #HealthScience

The grant from Seeding Lab is both timely and essential. The Coordinating Office for
Research and Innovation has been leading efforts of the Centre to establish an advanced
research laboratory that will address the gaps in instrumentation when it comes to cutting
edge research at the Institute. The equipment, as essential as they are, have arrived at a
period when they are needed the most.
The awesome grant of equipment ranging from carbon dioxide incubator to refrigerated
centrifuge, to fluorescence microscope, to real time PCR, to level II biosafety cabinet, to flow
cytometer and complimented with -86 oC freezer provides the Centre with a complete array
of instrumentation critical to advance level biological research at both cellular and
molecular levels. The flow cytometry will serve as an essential tool not only in the
advancement of our cancer research but other pathological diagnostics as part of our clinical
services.
Our grant also includes the donation of microtome and its accessories required for the
establishment of a histology lab. As a biopharmaceutical research institute, the ability to
identify toxicological insults to biological organs at the microscopic level is critical in the
drug development process.
The icing on the cake for this Seeding Lab grant is the fact that the equipment came with all
the consumables and accessories necessary for the operation of the instruments. From
pipettors to pipette tips, to glass wares, to analytical balance to water distillation system,
we are ready to set up and operate the advance research laboratory at the Centre.
This Advance Research Laboratory will provide enormous opportunities in research and
development of natural products to scientists at the Centre and beyond. It will also serve as
a critical resource to the numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students who
undertake their research projects at the Centre as part of the studies.

We are proud to announce that our distinguished Executive Director, Prof. Alex Asase, has been honored with induction into the Corporate Hall of Fame at its prestigious 8th edition, held on 30th August 2024. This milestone event took place at the renowned La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, bringing together an elite gathering of top executives, industry leaders, and visionaries from across various sectors to recognize and celebrate excellence in leadership, corporate governance, and outstanding achievements.

Prof. Asase’s induction into the Corporate Hall of Fame is a testament to his unparalleled contributions across multiple domains, including his vast experience in academia, where he has made groundbreaking strides, and his dynamic leadership at the Centre. His visionary approach has consistently elevated organizational performance, driving impactful results and ensuring that the Centre remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

Over the years, Prof. Asase has built a legacy of commitment to sustainable development, institutional growth, and the advancement of knowledge. This latest accolade underscores his dedication to both his professional endeavors and his role as a leader, mentor, and change-maker in the corporate world. The Corporate Hall of Fame acknowledges those whose leadership and efforts have inspired significant transformation, and Prof. Asase’s inclusion in this prestigious group reflects his remarkable influence.

As an organization, we are incredibly proud of Prof. Asase’s achievements and are excited to see the continued positive impact his leadership will bring both within the Centre and across the wider community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Alex Asase on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating many more accomplishments under his leadership.

The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), in collaboration with the Ghana Skills Development
Fund and Shanghai Pharmaceutical Machinery Co. Ltd, has achieved a significant milestone in advancing
herbal medicine production. This initiative is part of the project titled: “Enhancing Quality and
Production of Plant Medicines for Improved Health Care and Sustainable Employment.”

The project involved an intensive training program for the Centre’s staff, focusing on the installation and
operation of state-of-the-art machinery acquired for the preparation of solid dosage forms of herbal
medicines. This cutting-edge technology is poised to transform the Centre’s production capabilities,
ensuring the delivery of high-quality, effective, and standardized herbal products that meet the exact
needs of patients and global standards.

By improving the quality and production efficiency of plant-based medicines, the project aligns with
CPMR’s mission to promote research and innovation in herbal medicine for better healthcare outcomes.
Additionally, it supports sustainable job creation, empowering local talent and contributing to Ghana’s
economic growth.

This collaboration underscores CPMR’s commitment to leveraging partnerships for technological
advancement, skill development, and enhanced healthcare delivery.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and lead in the field of herbal medicine!

HerbalMedicine #Innovation #Healthcare #SustainableDevelopment #SkillDevelopment

The Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Export Barbados and the University of West Indies to enhance Ghana’s export of plant-based medicines, aiming for economic advancement.

Under this agreement, the Centre will cultivate medicinal plants from Barbados in Ghana and safeguard them for the country’s benefit. This initiative intends to assist Barbados in regaining these plants should they face any threats in their native environment.

Export Barbados will facilitate the distribution of Ghanaian herbal medicines to the Caribbean region.

Representing Barbados, Rosalind Luke-Harrison, the Financial Attache of the Barbados High Commission, signed the MoU. Signing on behalf of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill in Barbados, was Damian Cohall, PhD, the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Prof. Alex Asase, the Executive Director of CPMR, initialed the agreement on behalf of the Centre.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, today paid a working visit to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) in Mampong-Akuapem. During his visit, the minister was briefed on the latest research findings and ongoing projects at the centre.

The Centre was commended for its efforts in developing traditional plant medicine for the treatment of various diseases. He noted that traditional medicine plays a critical role in Ghana’s health care system and stressed the need for more investment in research and development in this area.
An inauguration ceremony for the clinic’s expansion was also held during his visit.

The minister also interacted with staff and researchers at the centre and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and research institutions in improving health care delivery in the country.

In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Prof.Alex Asase emphasized the need for sustainable funding for research and development in traditional plant medicine. He also highlighted the need for more training and capacity building programs for traditional herbal practitioners in order to improve the quality and safety of traditional medicine practices.

On June 9th, 2022, the COVID-19 National Trust Fund convened at the COVID-19 Command Operations room in the Jubilee House, Accra. During this session, an agreement was formalized to allocate GHc1.8 million to the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR). This funding is specifically earmarked for the development of herbal products designed to combat the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 viruses.

The financial assistance is intended to facilitate the Centre’s advancement in conducting further pre-clinical studies on two novel products, namely Immunim and Ampoforte. Notably, these products have already obtained registration from the FDA. Additionally, six other medical plant extracts will undergo evaluation to determine their pre-clinical efficacy against the virus. Furthermore, the funding will support the preparation of immune support and anti-viral products tailored to combat COVID-19.

This initiative underscores a collaborative effort between the government’s COVID-19 National Trust Fund and the Centre for Plant Medicine Research. It reflects a proactive approach in harnessing the potential of herbal medicine to contribute to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Through rigorous research and development supported by this financial backing, the Centre aims to make significant strides in the development of effective and accessible treatments against COVID-19.

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