Abstract

This paper focuses on the influence of the colonial administration on indigenous medical practices amongst the Asante people of the Gold Coast. The extent of the influence caused the indigenous medical practitioners to form herbalist unions and associations among others. The British Colonial administration further introduced through some advanced native heads, the registration of indigenous healers. These, among other things, prevented quackery in the indigenous medical field. Data for the historical narrative were gleaned from archival sources. Such evidence is corroborated with oral interviews and secondary sources from books. The historical narrative in this paper fills a gap several historical studies in the area of colonial reform and influence on the Gold Coast and Asante in particular has not been fully looked at.

Key words: Colonial administration, license, psychic and traditional healing, Asantehene, association of African herbalist.

Abbreviation

IPH- Indigenous Priest Healer.