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Biography of Emmanuel Yao Voado, MD

Dr. Emmanuel Yao Voado is a neurosurgeon, medical researcher, philanthropist, and entrepreneur based in Ghana. He is the founder and CEO of Wonder Medical City and the Cosmopolitan Aid Foundation, which are advancing healthcare and medical education in Ghana and across the African continent. Dr. Voado has worked in neurosurgery, medical research, and humanitarian health in Ghana, Cuba, Belize, and the United States.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Emmanuel Yao Voado was born on 2 January, 1971 in Tefle, Volta Region, Ghana, into a Christian family of limited resources. He took his education seriously from an early age. At age 12, he received a prophecy that he would study abroad, which materialized in 1985, when he was selected to continue his education in Cuba.

Despite being qualified to sit for the national selection examination, he was not allowed to register due to political interference in the scholarship selection process. Fortunately, a concerned citizen intervened, bringing his situation to the attention of the then-head of state, President Jerry John Rawlings. The president intervened, allowing him to participate in the national selection exam, where he placed first in the order of merit.

In Cuba, Dr. Voado pursued his secondary and higher education (1985–1991), excelling academically. He authored a book on Organic Chemistry while still in high school and became well-known for his outstanding performance in chemistry competitions among students from 36 countries studying in Cuba.

Medical Education

Dr. Voado attended the Havana Medical School, earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree summa cum laude. He then completed his specialization in Neurosurgery at the Hermanos Ameijeiras University Hospital, Havana, graduating cum laude with highest honors in 2001. The Medical University of Havana, Cuba, conferred a professorship upon him in 2001.

• Biomedical Sciences (AB) – Victoria de Girón Institute of Basic and Pre-Clinical Sciences, Havana (1991–1993)
• Medical School – “Julio Trigo” University Hospital, Havana, Cuba (1993–1997)
• Neurotrauma & Intensive Care – Calixto Garcia University Hospital, Havana, Cuba (1997)
• Pediatric Neurosurgery Training – Juan Manuel Marquez Pediatric University Hospital, Havana, Cuba (2000)
• Neurosurgical Residency – Hermanos Ameijeiras University Hospital, Havana, Cuba (1997–2001)

Career

Neurosurgery in Belize

After completing his neurosurgical training in 2001, Dr. Voado was invited to Belize, where he became the country’s first local neurosurgeon. Over his five-year tenure, he performed simple and complex neurosurgical procedures with zero surgical mortality under his care.

Notable Cases in Belize:

• Successfully performed spinal microscopic surgery on Dean Barrow, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Belize.
• Operated on the daughter of George Cadle Price, the first Prime Minister of Belize.

Medical Research in the United States

Dr. Voado later moved to the United States, where he worked under the late Dr. Robert Grossman, a renowned neurosurgeon in Houston. He served as a Clinical Research Specialist at The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, conducting extensive neurosurgical research.

He presented six research papers at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) international conferences, including studies on spinal surgery outcomes, cauda equina syndrome, and decompressive hemicraniectomies.

Return to Ghana, West Africa

After 28 years abroad, Dr. Voado returned to Ghana in 2013, convinced that his expertise was needed in Africa. He took up a Consultant Neurosurgery Specialist position at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, and later played a key role in major neurosurgical advancements in Ghana and West Africa.

Groundbreaking Neurosurgical Achievements

• Co-led the first Spinal Injury Instrumentation in West Africa guided by Neuronavigation (July 2022).
• Co-led the first Brain Mapping Surgery in West Africa, utilizing Neuronavigation, Microscope, and Cavitronic Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) (February 2022).
• Co-led the first Brain Tumor Removal in West Africa using Neuronavigation, Microscope, and CUSA (October 2021).
• Co-led the first Awake Brain Surgery in Ghana.
• Part of the team that performed the first Aneurysm Coiling Brain Surgery in Ghana without skull incision (April 2019).
• Co-leader in the separation of the Bansah conjoined twins (2021–2022).

Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work

Cosmopolitan Aid Foundation (CAF) – Since 2014

Dr. Voado is the Founder & CEO of the Cosmopolitan Aid Foundation (CAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting:

• Orphans and vulnerable children
• Widows and their children
• Elderly individuals
• The mentally and physically disabled (including the deaf and blind)
• Convicts and ex-convicts
• Sex workers and former sex workers
• Students and patients in need

CAF provides free medical care, scholarships, and social interventions for disadvantaged groups.

Wonder Medical City

Dr. Voado is the Founder & CEO of Wonder Medical City. He envisions the Medical City as a state-of-the-art medical and research facility that would revolutionize healthcare delivery and medical education in Africa. When completed, Wonder Medical City will bring advanced care and cutting-edge medical technology-based treatments closer to millions regardless of socioeconomic background.

Publications and Research

Dr. Voado has authored numerous research papers, including presentations at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. His works focus on brain and spinal surgeries, with key publications on:

• Lumbar Discopathy and Other Lumbosacral Conditions (2002)
• Microsurgical Outcomes in Spinal Surgery (2010)
• Decompressive Hemicraniectomies (2009)
• Cauda Equina Syndrome (2010)

Awards and Recognitions

• African Legend Award by Africa Network Television, Florida, USA (2015)
• First Neurosurgeon to establish a Neurosurgical Unit in Belize (2004)
• Best Resident Award in Neurosurgery – Hermanos Ameijeiras University Hospital, Havana (2001)
• Neurosurgical Excellence Award for scoring 100% in residency exams (2000)
• Hall of Fame Inductee at Havana Medical School for top academic performance (1991–1997)
• Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals in Cuban International Chemistry Olympiads (1989–1991)