The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has honoured Ghanaian cardiothoracic surgeon Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng with the Federal Cross of Merit for his contribution to medical cooperation between Ghana and Germany.

The award, presented on Monday night at the residence of the German Ambassador in Accra, formed part of the German President’s three-day state visit to Ghana.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng was recognised for establishing lasting medical practice, education and research partnerships between the two countries.

President Steinmeier said Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s continued partnership with German medical and research institutions has supported research and professional exchange in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng trained as a cardiac surgeon at the Hannover Medical School in Germany, where he became one of the pioneers in heart transplantation in Germany. He returned to Ghana in 1989 to establish the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

The Centre, which also houses the Ghana Heart Foundation, which he also founded, has provided life-saving surgeries for patients and served as a training hub for medical professionals from Ghana and other African countries.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng has also facilitated research exchange programmes between Ghanaian and German medical institutions.

In a post-award interview, he said the recognition was a great honour but also a reminder of the need for Ghana to value its own professionals.

“I am very grateful for this recognition from Germany,” he said. “It is, however, sad that sometimes it takes another country to value what we do for Ghana. I will continue to work for the good of our country through collaboration with our German friends.”

Professor Frimpong-Boateng trained as a medical doctor at the University of Ghana. He pursued postgraduate studies in Germany, qualifying as a general, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgeon.

He returned to Ghana in 1989, established the National Cardiothoracic Centre in 1992, and later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

He became a professor at the University of Ghana Medical School and also served as Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation from 2017 to 2021.

The Federal Cross of Merit, also known as Verdienstkreuz am Bande, is one of Germany’s highest honours.

It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country or helped advance Germany’s relations with other nations.

President Steinmeier’s visit to Ghana is focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with engagements covering economic cooperation, education, and sustainable development.