The Ministry of Health has signalled the possibility of inclusion of neurodegenerative and genetic disorders under the government’s flagship health intervention, Mahama Cares.
The move follows a heartfelt public appeal by Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, who recently disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and called for enhanced state support for the estimated thousands of Ghanaians living with the condition.
In a detailed response shared via social media on Friday, January 10, 2026, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, lauded the proactive nature of the current administration’s health policies.
She indicated that the framework of ‘Mahama Cares’ is uniquely positioned to address the high costs associated with managing long-term, non-communicable diseases.
“Mahama Cares might be able to be some solution to those living with hereditary and genetic diseases [and] the non-communicable diseases,” Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stated.
Specifically addressing the IMANI President’s condition, the Deputy Minister, who is also a medical professional, noted that the scientific classification of Parkinson’s as a potentially hereditary or genetic disorder makes it a prime candidate for the fund’s support.
“So Parkinson’s may fall under the hereditary genetic type so that they can also be supported through this fund. So it is a good thing.”
The Deputy Minister’s comments come at a time when the administration is seeking to solidify its legacy in the health sector.
She credited the vision of President John Dramani Mahama for creating a safety net that transcends traditional health insurance, which often excludes expensive neurological treatments and specialised medications.
“Thankfully, through President John Dramani Mahama, whom we should continue to thank for this wonderful [initiative], I think so far, in terms of health, we could never ask for a better person for the health of Ghanaians,” she remarked.
She further noted that the policy is no longer just a conceptual promise but is actively impacting lives: “I want to take this opportunity to thank President Mahama for this wonderful policy that has already started, and we’re beginning to see the fruitfulness of this.”
While the political will to include Parkinson’s in ‘Mahama Cares’ appears strong, health advocates point out that the financial inclusion is only one part of the battle.
As previously highlighted by Franklin Cudjoe, Ghana faces a shortage of specialists, with only 15 neurologists serving a population of nearly 35 million.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the death of dopamine-producing brain cells, leading to impaired movement control and symptoms like tremors, stiffness (rigidity), slow movement (bradykinesia), and balance issues, though it also causes non-motor problems like depression, constipation, and sleep issues.
It’s a lifelong condition where symptoms worsen slowly over time, affecting millions globally, with no current cure, but treatments help manage the symptoms.
Key Characteristics:
- Cause: Loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical crucial for smooth movement.
- Main Symptoms (Motor):
- Tremor: Shaking, often starting in a hand or foot at rest, sometimes appearing as “pill-rolling”.
- Rigidity: Muscle stiffness and aches.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making simple tasks difficult.
- Postural Instability: Balance problems, increasing fall risk.
- Other Symptoms (Non-Motor): Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, loss of smell, constipation, and cognitive changes can also occur.
- Progression: Symptoms typically start subtly on one side and worsen over years, affecting both sides eventually.
- Diagnosis: Clinical, based on symptoms and neurological exam, though brain scans can support diagnosis.
- Treatment: No cure exists, but medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes help manage symptoms.
What is Mahama Cares?
Mahama Cares, officially known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, is a healthcare initiative launched by President John Dramani Mahama to provide financial support for citizens with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, kidney failure, and heart conditions, covering costs not met by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and investing in infrastructure and specialist training.
The fund aims to make specialist care more accessible and affordable, ensuring financial hardship doesn’t prevent people from getting life-saving treatment, with President Mahama donating six months of his salary to start it.
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