Using a qualitative research approach, this study focuses on the major medical
systems; traditional and western medical practices in the Atiwa District of Ghana from
1960 to 2010 with particular emphasis on western medicine. The people of Atiwa
District accessed the two medical systems to combat diseases and also to ensure a
healthy life. Before the advent of western medical practice in the Atiwa District, people
travelled to Nkawkaw, Koforidua, and Kyebi for medical treatment. Upon the
establishment of health centres and hospitals with related impediments, that is, lack of
access to health facilities due to long distance, bad roads and low levels of finance from
the indigenous population among other things, the local population were not entirely
convinced from discontinuing to access the services of traditional medical practitioners
in addition to these basic neo-medical facilities. Diseases that were common among the
people were malaria, skin diseases and stomach pains among others. However, new and
different diseases in other regions also gradually infected the people within the district.
They include cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM), tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS among
others within the period under review