A Case Study of Medicine Preparation and Healing Procedure in Abora In Ghana /West-Africa

Abstract

A good deal of literature is available about the healing procedures of traditional herbalists in different areas of Ghana. However, little information can be found about this subject among the coastal Fante. This study attempts to record in detail the activities of two traditional herbalists living in this area. Another objective is to find out whether, and in what situations, fishermen go to a traditional herbalist. The research was carried out through participant observation and interviews in the compounds of two herbalists. The analysis of the data gathered yielded the following major findings. First, herbal and healing knowledge is not simply acquired, but it is handed down from or spiritually acquired by the ancestors. Second, through intense dialogues, the patients are perceived holistically by the healer and a basis of trust is thus created, which is decisive for the diagnosis and treatment of the illnesses. Third, within the three weeks of observation, the status of disease had improved in five of the nine cases of the inpatients, three patients had even totally recovered. Forth, the fishermen, who made up one third of the woman-healer’s clientele, consulted her nearly exclusively for supply with catch-increasing decoction to be sprayed into their nets as well as with charms against witchcraft and bad spirits.