The Ministry of Health has hinted that neurodegenerative and genetic conditions may soon be brought under the MahamaCares health support programme.
This follows a public appeal by Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, who recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and called for stronger assistance for Ghanaians living with similar long-term conditions.
In a response shared on Friday, January 10, 2026, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, praised the direction of current health policy and said the MahamaCares framework was designed to ease the heavy financial burden associated with managing chronic illnesses.
According to her, “Mahama Cares might be able to be some solution to those living with hereditary and genetic diseases [and] the non-communicable diseases.”
Speaking directly to the IMANI President’s situation, she noted that Parkinson’s is scientifically recognised as a condition that may have hereditary or genetic links, making it a strong candidate for inclusion.
She explained, “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.”
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah credited President John Dramani Mahama for championing a policy that goes beyond conventional insurance schemes by targeting costly treatment gaps, especially in neurological care.
She added, “Thankfully, through President John Dramani Mahama… we could never ask for a better person for the health of Ghanaians.”
The Deputy Minister further said the initiative is already taking shape in practice: “This wonderful policy has already started, and we’re beginning to see the fruitfulness of this.”
Advocates, however, note that financial support alone will not resolve the broader challenge.
Ghana currently has a very limited number of neurologists serving millions of people, highlighting the need for both funding and specialist capacity.
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