Public Health: Socio-Political History of a People

Abstract

This study focuses on the transformations that have characterised public health in Asante. The study highlights the changes that have occurred in the traditional public health which include the use of roots, leaves, back of trees and spiritualities’ as well as the colonial administration’s introduction of modern or western medicine and post-colonial inheritance. The domination of Asante from 1902-1957 by the British influenced the public health in Asante. This necessitated the introduction of western medicine, which included the building of hospitals and clinics and training of physicians to cater for the sick. Post-colonial Ghana after 1957saw a new direction in public health in Asante it ensured continuity and change. However, of the all the successes of traditional medicine and its importance even in modern times, an in-depth study of this subject has not received attention for the benefit of academia and society. It is critical to turn back, consider how public health was ensured in the first half of the twentieth century and balance it with modern practices. This will help us draw necessary lessons for modern society. This study, therefore, does a retrospective analyses/narrative on the accessibility and equitability of health to all citizens of Ghana and Asante in particular within the twentieth century and to further access the continuity and change over time.