Professor Raphael Nyarkotey Obu has achieved the world’s top ranking in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine according to the AD Scientific Index (2025 Global Edition).
The Ghanaian academic, lawyer, and researcher secured the No. 1 position globally while maintaining top placements in Africa and Ghana—a historic triple recognition announced on July 19, 2025.
The index evaluated over 2.6 million scientists globally using Google Scholar metrics including H-index and citation impact. Prof. Nyarkotey attributed the honor to collective African naturopathic advancement: “This recognition… proves indigenous healing systems, when researched and institutionalized, belong in global scientific discourse,” he stated.
As founder of Ghana’s first accredited naturopathic college (Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology), he developed the nation’s inaugural National Occupational Standards for the field. His dual expertise as barrister and scientist informs policy advocacy through roles including Legal Director for The Gambia’s Traditional Healers Association and Research Advocate with the World Naturopathic Federation.
This milestone amplifies calls for formal recognition of naturopathic practitioners in Ghana’s healthcare system and evidence-based integration of traditional medicine. The achievement signals growing global credibility for African-led holistic health research amid continental efforts toward healthcare sovereignty.
