Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, Executive President of COA Research and Manufacturing Limited Company and a renowned Ghanaian researcher, has called on the government to prioritise and fund further scientific investigation into the COA Mixture, a plant-based medicine he believes holds groundbreaking potential in the treatment of HIV.
Speaking during a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to the COA manufacturing facility on Monday, July 14, Prof. Duncan stated that the herbal formulation has demonstrated remarkable immune-boosting properties and has shown promising results when used by individuals living with HIV.
“We have done a lot of research, but there is more to be done before we can draw definitive conclusions on what I have discovered,” he said. “Scientific research is expensive, and we’ve come this far without any governmental support. But to reach the next phase, full-scale clinical validation, we need the government’s help.”
Prof. Duncan emphasised that COA 72 has been tested both in Ghana and South Africa, with results on human subjects that he described as “mind-blowing.” He asserted that the medicine had minimal side effects and significantly strengthened the immune system, making it a strong candidate in the ongoing global fight against HIV/AIDS.
“I have used it to treat colon cancer. I have also used it for some people living with HIV for years, some of whom have given birth and their children do not have the virus,” he said.
He highlighted the enormous potential economic impact if the COA 72 injectable is adopted and scaled with government backing. “We can produce two million vials an hour. If the government supports us in doing the research and expanding production, the benefits would be numerous. We could generate as much as $77 billion annually,” Prof. Duncan claimed.
Addressing the committee, he stressed the importance of a collaborative approach involving researchers, policymakers, and private industry stakeholders to build a robust phytopharmaceutical sector in Ghana. He also called on the government to protect intellectual property rights and provide incentives for innovators, particularly in traditional and plant-based medicine.
The COA 72, which is derived from Ghana’s rich biodiversity, is part of Prof. Duncan’s broader vision to develop a homegrown phytopharma industry capable of creating jobs, boosting national revenue, and addressing public health challenges using local solutions.
The visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, led by Chairman Hon. Mark Kurt Nawaane, MP for Nabdam, marked a significant moment in the national conversation on alternative medicine and its potential role in Ghana’s healthcare ecosystem.
The chairman commended Prof. Duncan for his dedication and innovation and pledged parliamentary support to ensure his research receives the attention it deserves.
“I will make a statement on the floor of Parliament to raise awareness about the potential benefits of the COA Mixture,” Hon. Nawaane assured. “The government must provide the necessary funding and infrastructure to take this to the next level.”
Other members of the committee echoed similar sentiments. MP for Hon. Charles Agbeve, the Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, MP for Mfantseman, Hon. Ebenezer Prince Arhin, MP for Central Tongu, and Hon. Alexander Roosevelt. Hottordze, who has used the COA Mixture during the COVID-19 pandemic, testified to its efficacy and encouraged the government to consider integrating it into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make it accessible to more Ghanaians, especially those who are the most vulnerable.
“We believe this has the potential to be a game-changer for Ghana, and we should not let it slip away,” they said.
The MPs also suggested that the government partner with Prof. Duncan to expand the hospital facility on-site at the COA Research and Manufacturing campus. The goal, they proposed, should be to transform the centre into a world-class facility for both treatment and research on herbal medicine.
Adding institutional support to the momentum behind Prof. Duncan’s advocacy, the Acting Registrar of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, Dr. Yusuf Yakubu, also pledged his office’s commitment to supporting the scientific development and other certifications of the COA Mixture.
“We are prepared to work with Prof. Duncan to ensure that all the required scientific and regulatory steps are followed so that the COA products can be taken to the global market,” Dr. Yakubu stated.
Prof. Duncan’s push for national recognition and support of his product comes at a time when there is growing global interest in plant-based medicine, especially for immune-related conditions. While COA Mixture is already widely known in Ghana and among parts of the diaspora, its future hinges on rigorous scientific backing that meets international medical standards.
In closing, Prof. Duncan reiterated that his goal is not merely commercial success, but the transformation of Ghana into a global leader in phytomedicine. “This is not just about one product,” he said. “This is about changing lives, transforming healthcare, and building an industry that can create jobs and economic gain that the whole nation can be proud of.”
