Professor Rofela Combey, an entomologist and Deputy Director at the International Stingless Bee Center, says bee stings have medicinal value despite their painful nature.
Speaking on World Bee Day (May 20), she highlighted research suggesting bee stings can aid in treating certain illnesses. “Their stings are medicinal. We are in an era of new medicine—apitherapy,” she said. “Some of us don’t need much… a sting or two is enough.”
Professor Combey noted that while fear of bee stings is common, scientific evidence supports their therapeutic potential, and ongoing studies aim to better understand how to use them safely and effectively.
“We are now investigating how to administer them, correct dosages, and which health conditions they benefit,” she explained on Connect FM’s Orokodo Kasaebo.
Over 150 bee species have been identified in Ghana. Combey described bees as “fascinating creatures” vital to the ecosystem and called for peaceful coexistence with them to help safeguard pollination, global food security, and the fight against hunger.
