When people ask me why I started the Nyakoma Foundation, my answer is simple: my mother.
She is the heartbeat behind this vision. A resilient woman who has always put others before herself, my mother has endured more than most. She suffered not one but three Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs)—often called “mini-strokes”. Each episode was a stark reminder of how dangerously easy it is to ignore our health until it’s too late.
Her experience opened my eyes to a sobering reality: access to regular health checkups and basic health education is a luxury for many Ghanaians. In fact, over 80% of Ghanaians do not undergo routine health screenings. For some, it’s a matter of cost. For others, it’s lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, or simply underestimating the importance of preventive care.
With each TIA, my mother’s condition could have worsened—or even ended in tragedy. But we were fortunate. Her life was spared, and in those critical moments, a new purpose was born.
The Birth of Nyakoma Foundation
The Nyakoma Foundation was established to honor my mother’s strength and turn her health battles into a catalyst for change. Our mission is simple yet urgent:
To promote awareness around personal well-being, encourage regular medical checkups, and advocate for accessible primary healthcare.
We believe that knowing your health status shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right. Our foundation works across communities to educate, screen, and support individuals — especially those in underserved areas — with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health.
Why It Matters
In Ghana, many people discover serious health conditions only when symptoms have already progressed beyond early stages. Silent threats like hypertension, diabetes, or early signs of stroke often go undetected—and untreated—until they become critical. This is not just a statistic; it’s the reality my mother faced. It’s the reality that countless families endure every day.
Through Nyakoma Foundation, we want to break this cycle by encouraging a culture of proactive wellness — one where checkups become routine, self-care becomes normalized, and lives are saved, not lost, to preventable conditions.
A Personal Mission, A National Need
While this foundation is deeply personal, it reflects a national need. Ghana is rich in spirit and strength, but our health system needs more emphasis on prevention rather than cure. Our communities need to understand that visiting a doctor when you’re not sick is not a waste—it’s an investment in life.
We are partnering with health professionals, community leaders, and wellness advocates to host health fairs, screenings, and educational workshops that are free and accessible. Most importantly, we are creating safe spaces where conversations about health and wellness can thrive without fear or stigma.
Looking Ahead
Nyakoma Foundation is still growing, but our heartbeat remains steady: to inspire Ghanaians to prioritize their health before crisis strikes.
I founded this organization for my mother, but also for every mother, father, sister, and brother who might not get a second chance. I believe we can change the narrative — one checkup at a time.