Company History :
Established by the Government of Ghana in 1975, the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), formerly known as the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM), Mampong-Akwapim, owes its origins to the visionary efforts of Dr. Oku Ampofo, a respected allopathic Medical Practitioner. Dr. Ampofo’s early exposure to the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines, both for himself and his father, sparked his lifelong dedication to herbalism.
Initially operating as a modest outpatient department (OPD) within the Community Center (OBIKYERE) of Mampong-Akwapim under Dr. Oku Ampofo’s guidance, the Centre later relocated to its current premises. The seeds of the Centre’s founding principles were sown during Dr. Ampofo’s visit to China in the early sixties, where he, alongside others, was sent by President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to study the Chinese experience in herbal medicine.
Dr. Oku Ampofo, revered as the Founder of CPMR, played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory and establishing it as a leading institution in herbal medicine research and practice.
- Founded in 1971
The Establishment of Centre For Plant Medicine Research
In 1971, Dr. Oku Ampofo, along with a team comprising representatives from the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Ghana Psychic and Traditional Healers Association, submitted a proposal to the Government of Ghana. This proposal advocated for the establishment of a national Centre dedicated to coordinating research efforts on Ghanaian medicinal plants. This initiative aimed to harness the rich medicinal potential of indigenous plants for the benefit of public health.
Dr. Oku Ampofo's Proposal
Dr. Oku Ampofo's proposal in 1971 marked the beginning of a concerted effort to promote research on Ghanaian medicinal plants. Collaborating with other esteemed institutions and organizations, Dr. Ampofo envisioned a centralized institution tasked with advancing knowledge and understanding of traditional medicine in Ghana.
- In 1975
Establishment of CSRPM
As a result of Dr. Oku Ampofo's proposal and advocacy, the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM) was established in 1975 by NRCD 344. Operating as an Agency of the Ministry of Health, CSRPM embarked on its mission to explore the therapeutic potential of Ghanaian medicinal plants.
- In 1981
WHO Designation
In December 1981, CSRPM achieved a significant milestone when it was designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine. This recognition underscored CSRPM's leading role in advancing traditional medicine research, making it the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- In 2011
Renaming to CPMR
In 2011, CSRPM underwent a transformation and was renamed the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) through an act of Parliament (Act 833). This renaming reflected the institution's expanded scope and continued dedication to herbal medicine research and development.