Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe, has opened up about his struggles with Parkinson’s disease.
According to him, he has been living with it for the past eight years.
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, he took to Facebook to openly and extensively share his health status.
“At the beginning of this year, I did mention that I was living with a movement disorder. Well, folks, it is Parkinson's. I had been living with it for the past eight years. My doctors in Ghana, neurologists in fact, (And we have very few of them in Ghana) have been very supportive.”
He said he has been seeking medical care abroad through the generous support of ‘very close acquaintances.’
“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). Many thanks to all who have shown concern.”
He has committed to raising awareness and lending his support to the Parkinson's support group in Ghana.
He used the occasion to advise the public to avoid prolonged exposure to chemicals and undergo routine clinical assessment for prevention and early detection, respectively.
“It may also be hereditary, although research shows that it is less than 10%.”
The announcement was made after his condition became apparent.
About Parkinson's
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and occurs when nerve cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine are damaged or die. Common symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowed movement and difficulty with balance and coordination, although symptoms vary from person to person.
While there is no cure, the condition can be managed through medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes, allowing many patients to maintain a good quality of life for years after diagnosis.