Franklin Cudjoe, the Founder and President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, has publicly disclosed that he has been living with Parkinson’s disease for nearly a decade.
In a candid health update shared at the start of the year, the prominent policy analyst revealed that his diagnosis dates back eight years. His disclosure aims to shed light on the condition and the challenges of managing it within the Ghanaian healthcare system.
This comes at a time people raised concerns over her body gestures in a recent TV interview.
Cudjoe expressed profound gratitude to the small community of neurologists in Ghana who have managed his care, while also acknowledging the high costs associated with the condition.
“Parkinson’s has no cure, but it won’t kill you. It can only be managed with expensive medication and lifestyle adjustment—diet and physical exercises, especially,” Cudjoe shared.
He further revealed that through the support of close acquaintances, he has been able to seek specialized medical care abroad to supplement his local treatment.
True to his advocacy roots, Cudjoe is using his personal journey to champion the cause of others living with the movement disorder. He highlighted several key takeaways for the public, including early detection, environmental factors, and genetic factors.
Despite the diagnosis, the IMANI boss remains resolute in his professional and advocacy work. He has pledged to continue supporting the Parkinson’s Support Group in Ghana to help bridge the gap for those who may not have the same access to resources.
“I am determined to raise awareness,” he stated, thanking those who have shown concern for his well-being over the years.