Intergenerational Transmission of Traditional Healing Knowledge in Ghana: Challenges and Innovations among the Nzema, Fante, Wassa, and Ahanta Ethnic Groups in the Western Region

This study investigates the intergenerational transmission of traditional healing knowledge among the Nzema, Fante, Wassa, and Ahanta ethnic groups in Ghana’s Western Region. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach—comprising in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and participant observation—the research explores how cultural knowledge is passed from elders to younger generations, the socio-cultural barriers hindering this process, and community-led innovations aimed at preserving indigenous healing traditions. The findings reveal a complex interplay between respect for ancestral wisdom and the pressures of modernization, education, and biomedical dominance. While traditional healers remain vital to community health and identity, declining youth interest, secrecy among elders, and structural marginalization pose significant threats to continuity. Nevertheless, participants emphasized actionable strategies for revitalization, including digital archiving, educational integration, and government recognition of traditional practices. The study underscores the need for policy frameworks that safeguard cultural knowledge while fostering its relevance in contemporary health systems.