Franklin Cudjoe, the Founder and President of IMANI Africa, has publicly disclosed that he has been living with Parkinson’s Disease for the past eight years.
In a candid Facebook post shared on Thursday, the policy analyst opened up about his health journey, aiming to break the silence surrounding movement disorders in Ghana and advocate for better neurological care.
Cudjoe revealed that while he hinted at a “movement disorder” earlier this year, he felt it was time to be specific about the condition. Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.
“Parkinson’s has no cure, but it won’t kill you,” Cudjoe shared. “It can only be managed with expensive medication and lifestyle adjustments, especially diet and physical exercises.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the few neurologists practicing in Ghana, noting the scarcity of such specialists in the country, and thanked close acquaintances who have supported his medical treatments both locally and abroad.
Beyond his personal story, Cudjoe used his platform to issue a stern advisory to the public regarding environmental and physical health: Chemical Exposure: He warned against prolonged exposure to chemicals, which research suggests can be a risk factor; Early Detection: He urged Ghanaians to seek clinical assessment immediately if they notice unusual changes in their physical movements; Genetic Factors: He noted that while the disease can be hereditary, research shows this accounts for less than 10% of cases.
Known for his fierce advocacy in governance and economics, Cudjoe is now pivoting some of that energy toward health advocacy. He has pledged to continue supporting the Parkinson’s Support Group in Ghana to raise awareness and help others navigating the expensive and life-altering condition.
The announcement has since sparked a wave of support across social media, with many praising his transparency and his effort to destigmatize the condition in a society where neurological issues are often misunderstood.
