The first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah’s first son Dr. Francis Nkrumah, has passed on at the age of 89.
Author and editor Vijay Prashad announced the news of his passing on X, writing, “Dr. Francis Nkrumah (1935–2024) has just passed away.”
Dr. Nkrumah gained the respect of both his patients and colleagues for dedicating his life to paediatric care and scientific research. Even after his father was overthrown in a coup in 1966, Dr. Nkrumah stayed in Ghana and made a major contribution to the country’s healthcare system.
He was the past director of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research’s (NMIMR). He was recognised for his contribution to poliomyelitis eradication efforts in Africa and held the record for the longest tenure as director of NMIMR. As a founding member of the West African College of Physicians and the Paediatric Association of Ghana, he also played important responsibilities.
