Professor Francis Nkrumah, the eldest son of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has passed away at the age of 89. The news of his passing was announced on social media by Indian author and editor Vijay Prashad on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Professor Nkrumah was a distinguished paediatrician and scientist who dedicated his life to improving healthcare in Ghana and Africa. He served as the longest-serving director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), a leading research institution in Ghana.
Throughout his career, Professor Nkrumah received numerous commendations for his work to eradicate poliomyelitis in Africa. He was a founding member of the Pediatric Association of Ghana and the West African College of Physicians, and his contributions to the field of medicine were recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016.
Professor Nkrumah’s legacy extends beyond his scientific contributions. He was a symbol of hope and inspiration for many Ghanaians, and his dedication to his country and continent was unwavering. His passing is a significant loss to the scientific community, Ghana, and Africa as a whole.
Tributes have been pouring in from around the world, with many paying their respects to a truly remarkable individual. His family, friends, and colleagues will deeply miss him, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Professor Francis Nkrumah.
