This follows a public appeal by Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, who recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and called for stronger assistance for Ghanaians living with similar long-term conditions.

In a response shared on Friday, January 10, 2026, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, praised the direction of current health policy and said the MahamaCares framework was designed to ease the heavy financial burden associated with managing chronic illnesses.

According to her, “Mahama Cares might be able to be some solution to those living with hereditary and genetic diseases [and] the non-communicable diseases.”

Speaking directly to the IMANI President’s situation, she noted that Parkinson’s is scientifically recognised as a condition that may have hereditary or genetic links, making it a strong candidate for inclusion.

She explained, “So Parkinson’s may fall under the hereditary genetic type so that they can also be supported through this fund. So it is a good thing.”

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah credited President John Dramani Mahama for championing a policy that goes beyond conventional insurance schemes by targeting costly treatment gaps, especially in neurological care.

She added, “Thankfully, through President John Dramani Mahama… we could never ask for a better person for the health of Ghanaians.”
The Deputy Minister further said the initiative is already taking shape in practice: “This wonderful policy has already started, and we’re beginning to see the fruitfulness of this.”

Advocates, however, note that financial support alone will not resolve the broader challenge.

Ghana currently has a very limited number of neurologists serving millions of people, highlighting the need for both funding and specialist capacity.

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In a personal note shared on Facebook on Thursday, January 8, he described Parkinson’s as a movement disorder and expressed gratitude to neurologists in Ghana and specialists abroad who have supported his treatment journey.

Cudjoe acknowledged the daily challenges of managing an incurable condition but emphasized that it can be effectively controlled. “Parkinson’s is best managed through medication, dietary discipline, and regular exercise,” he noted.

He explained that while there is no cure for the disease, consistent medical care and lifestyle adjustments can help maintain quality of life.

The IMANI Africa founder also thanked friends and well-wishers for their support and pledged to continue advocating for people living with Parkinson’s in Ghana.

He advised the public to limit prolonged exposure to chemicals and to seek medical attention if they notice unusual changes in movement, highlighting that a small proportion of Parkinson’s cases are hereditary.

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