Franklin Cudjoe, the founder and chief executive officer of IMANI Africa, has revealed that he has been living with Parkinson’s disease for eight years, offering a personal account of a condition he has largely managed out of the public eye.
The disclosure was made in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 8, where Mr Cudjoe opened up about his diagnosis and the realities of coping with the neurological condition. He described Parkinson’s as a “movement disorder” and expressed appreciation for the medical professionals who have supported him both in Ghana and overseas.
“My doctors in Ghana, neurologists in fact, and we have very few of them in Ghana, have been very supportive. Through the generous support of close acquaintances, I have also been seeking medical care abroad,” he wrote.
His comments followed public discussion sparked by a recent television interview, during which some viewers questioned his physical mannerisms. Addressing those concerns, Mr Cudjoe explained that Parkinson’s often affects movement and can be controlled with the right medical and lifestyle interventions, even though it has no known cure.
He noted that treatment typically involves consistent medication alongside changes in daily habits such as diet and regular exercise. While acknowledging the financial burden associated with managing the disease, he stressed that it is possible to live a full life with proper care.
“Parkinson’s has no cure, but it won’t kill you. It can only be managed with expensive medication and lifestyle adjustment,” he stated.
Mr Cudjoe also thanked Ghanaians who reached out with concern and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting awareness and advocacy around Parkinson’s disease in the country. He encouraged the public to pay closer attention to their health, advising against long-term exposure to harmful chemicals and urging people to seek medical evaluation if they observe unusual changes in movement. He added that while Parkinson’s can be hereditary, this occurs in fewer than 10 per cent of cases.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects movement, often causing tremors, stiffness and slowed motion as a result of reduced dopamine levels in the brain. Beyond physical symptoms, it can also lead to challenges such as sleep disturbances and depression. Although there is no cure, a combination of medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
