In a remarkable display of courage and advocacy, Franklin Cudjoe is turning a personal health challenge into a beacon of hope for thousands of Ghanaians living with Parkinson's disease. The President of policy think tank IMANI Africa recently shared his own Parkinson's diagnosis while launching an inspiring campaign to revolutionize neurological care across the nation.

Rather than retreating from public life, Cudjoe has chosen to shine a light on an underserved medical need, working directly with Ghana's highest levels of government to create lasting change. Following a productive meeting with President John Dramani Mahama earlier this year, the dedicated advocate is now pushing for Parkinson's and similar neurodegenerative conditions to be included in the government's Mahama Cares Programme and covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Cudjoe's mission addresses a critical gap in Ghana's healthcare system. With nearly 35 million people and only about 15 neurological specialists nationwide, countless patients have gone undiagnosed or misunderstood. His advocacy aims to change that reality, bringing specialized care within reach of ordinary Ghanaians who desperately need it.

What makes this campaign particularly powerful is its potential to transform how Parkinson's is understood throughout Ghana. Cudjoe has highlighted how lack of awareness among general practitioners often leads to misdiagnosis, with tremors sometimes mistakenly attributed to intoxication. By educating healthcare providers and the public, his work promises to replace stigma with understanding and isolation with support.

The advocate expressed genuine optimism about the response from health leadership, specifically praising Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Deputy Minister Grace Ayensu-Danquah for their receptiveness to the cause. His two-pronged approach seeks to integrate specialized support through Mahama Cares while ensuring the National Health Insurance Scheme covers essential medications that are currently difficult and expensive to obtain.

Cudjoe's vision extends beyond policy changes. He recognizes that bringing Parkinson's "out of the shadows" will create a support network for families currently struggling alone. By institutionalizing care, the government can lift the burden from individual families who now must source rare medications through informal international channels.

The Ripple Effect: This advocacy represents far more than one person's health journey. By sharing his diagnosis publicly, Cudjoe is breaking down barriers and creating pathways for improved neurological care that will benefit future generations. His courage in personalizing this policy debate demonstrates how individual voices can catalyze systemic change.

If successful, the inclusion of Parkinson's in national healthcare frameworks would set a precedent for addressing other underserved medical conditions. It would signal Ghana's commitment to truly inclusive healthcare, where even rare and complex conditions receive the attention and resources they deserve.

As Ghana evaluates its 2026 health budget, Cudjoe's advocacy offers the nation an opportunity to become a regional leader in comprehensive healthcare. His work reminds us that challenges can become catalysts for positive change, and that speaking up can improve countless lives. The awareness he's building today could mean earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and renewed hope for thousands of Ghanaians living with Parkinson's disease.