{"id":110598,"date":"2026-01-10T05:21:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T05:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=110598"},"modified":"2026-01-10T05:21:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T05:21:08","slug":"parkinsons-targeted-for-mahama-cares-integration-deputy-minister-of-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=110598","title":{"rendered":"Parkinson\u2019s targeted for \u2018Mahama Cares\u2019 integration \u2013 Deputy Minister of Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>3 Minute, 27 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>
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The Ministry of Health has signalled the possibility of inclusion of neurodegenerative and genetic disorders under the government\u2019s flagship health intervention, Mahama Cares.<\/p>\n

The move follows a heartfelt public appeal by Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, who recently disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s disease and called for enhanced state support for the estimated thousands of Ghanaians living with the condition.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s health policies.<\/p>\n

She indicated that the framework of \u2018Mahama Cares\u2019 is uniquely positioned to address the high costs associated with managing long-term, non-communicable diseases.<\/p>\n

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\u201cMahama Cares might be able to be some solution to those living with hereditary and genetic diseases [and] the non-communicable diseases,\u201d Dr. Ayensu-Danquah stated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Specifically addressing the IMANI President\u2019s condition, the Deputy Minister, who is also a medical professional, noted that the scientific classification of Parkinson\u2019s as a potentially hereditary or genetic disorder makes it a prime candidate for the fund\u2019s support.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSo Parkinson\u2019s may fall under the hereditary genetic type so that they can also be supported through this fund. So it is a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Deputy Minister\u2019s comments come at a time when the administration is seeking to solidify its legacy in the health sector.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThankfully, 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,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

She further noted that the policy is no longer just a conceptual promise but is actively impacting lives: \u201cI want to take this opportunity to thank President Mahama for this wonderful policy that has already started, and we\u2019re beginning to see the fruitfulness of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the political will to include Parkinson\u2019s in \u2018Mahama Cares\u2019 appears strong, health advocates point out that the financial inclusion is only one part of the battle. <\/p>\n

As previously highlighted by Franklin Cudjoe, Ghana faces a shortage of specialists, with only 15 neurologists serving a population of nearly 35 million.<\/p>\n

What is Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parkinson\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s a lifelong condition where symptoms worsen slowly over time, affecting millions globally, with no current cure, but treatments help manage the symptoms.<\/p>\n

Key Characteristics:<\/p>\n