Banjul, The Gambia – The Gambia Society of Naturopathy (GSN) has formally honoured Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu with a Letter of Commendation, recognizing his foundational role in establishing and advancing naturopathy in The Gambia.
In a statement signed by its President, Sainey Camara, the Society expressed “profound appreciation and highest commendation” for Prof. Nyarkotey’s visionary leadership, mentorship, and institutional support that led to the formation of the GSN.
Institutional Identity for Naturopathy
According to the Society, Prof. Nyarkotey played an instrumental role in initiating, mentoring, and supporting the establishment of the GSN, thereby giving naturopathic practitioners in The Gambia a formal institutional identity and professional voice.
The letter emphasized that his guidance was pivotal during the formative stage of the Society, shaping its structure, vision, and long-term direction.
Legal Advocacy and Historic Introduction
The commendation further highlights Prof. Nyarkotey’s contribution during his time at the Gambia Law School, where he pursued legal training as a Barrister-at-Law.
At a time when naturopathy was largely absent from formal legal and health discourse in the country, he is credited with introducing structured advocacy for naturopathic medicine within professional and academic spaces.
For this pioneering effort, the Society respectfully acknowledges him as the “Father of Naturopathy in The Gambia.”
Contribution to TCAM Bill Development
The GSN also commended Prof. Nyarkotey’s involvement in the review and development of The Gambia’s Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Bill.
The Society noted that his rare integration of naturopathic expertise and legal acumen contributed significantly to:
- Professional recognition of practitioners
- Regulatory clarity
- Practitioner protection
- Inclusivity of complementary medicine systems within the national legal framework
Continental Recognition
Beyond The Gambia, the Society described Prof. Nyarkotey as an influential African naturopathic leader whose work in clinical practice, education, policy advocacy, and legal reform continues to shape naturopathic development across the continent.
The letter concludes by affirming the Society’s gratitude and respect for his enduring service to naturopathy, traditional medicine, and health systems development in The Gambia and Africa at large.
