The President of Germany, Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier, has presented Ghanaian cardiothoracic surgeon Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng with the Federal Cross of Merit. The award recognises his remarkable work in advancing medical cooperation between Ghana and Germany.
The ceremony took place on Monday evening at the German Ambassador’s residence in Accra. It formed part of President Steinmeier’s three day state visit to Ghana. The award highlights Professor Frimpong Boateng’s efforts in medical research, education, and professional exchange between the two countries.
President Steinmeier praised Professor Frimpong Boateng for his long standing collaboration with German research and training institutions. He said the partnership had strengthened cardiovascular medicine and supported knowledge sharing between the nations.
Professor Frimpong Boateng trained in cardiac surgery at Hannover Medical School in Germany. He became one of the early pioneers in heart transplantation before returning to Ghana in 1989. He later founded the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The Centre also houses the Ghana Heart Foundation. It has saved many lives and trained health professionals from Ghana and other African countries.
Speaking after receiving the award, Professor Frimpong Boateng said the honour was both humbling and motivating. “I am very grateful for this recognition from Germany,” he said. “However, it is sometimes sad that it takes another country to value what we do for Ghana. I will continue to work for our country’s progress through collaboration with our German partners.”
Professor Frimpong-Boateng studied medicine at the University of Ghana and completed postgraduate training in Germany. He qualified as a general, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgeon. He later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and as a professor at the University of Ghana Medical School. From 2017 to 2021, he was Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Federal Cross of Merit, known in German as Verdienstkreuz am Bande, is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It is awarded to individuals who make outstanding contributions to Germany or strengthen its relations with other nations.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Ghana focuses on deepening cooperation in education, sustainable development, and economic growth.
