The National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital marked the launch of its 35th anniversary by paying tribute to its founder, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, with a commemorative bust.

This gesture was to acknowledge his unwavering commitment and foundational role in the Centre’s establishment and development.

During the launch event on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng reflected on the challenges he faced while establishing the Centre.

In his presentation, the venerable Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said that despite the lack of support from various institutions, his vision for the Centre to become a premier referral institution equipped with skilled personnel and state-of-the-art medical equipment never wavered.

He recounted the early days when few believed in his vision and how he personally financed the initial phase of the project. Today, he takes pride in the Centre’s success as a leading medical facility.

In a statement read by his representative, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, the Minister of Health expressed deep admiration for Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s pioneering efforts.

He said the Ministry plans to support the Centre further, recognizing its alignment with the national goal of promoting health tourism.

Dr. David Nkansa-Dwamena, the Board Chairman of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, emphasized the Centre’s status as a beacon of excellence and the importance of maintaining its high standards.

Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, CEO of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted the sacrifices made by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, particularly his fight to ward off encroachers from the hospital’s land, which now enables the construction of numerous infrastructural projects.

Speaking on behalf of former President John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Alex Segbefia, a former Minister of Health, commended Prof. Frimpong-Boateng for his tenacity and sacrifice, which serve as an educational blueprint for success.

Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, the Director of the Centre, revealed that the Centre has over the years performed more than 13,000 surgeries, which has contributed to saving the country an estimated $70 billion.

The Centre has also been instrumental in training cardiothoracic surgeons, contributing significantly to the medical field in Ghana and Nigeria.

About Korle-Bu Cadiothoracic Centre

The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, established on October 9, 1923, is a significant healthcare institution in Ghana. It is the third-largest hospital in Africa and serves as the leading national referral center in the country. Among its centers of excellence is the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), which has become a cornerstone of specialized healthcare in Ghana.

Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s role in the establishment of the NCTC was pivotal. He is a renowned Ghanaian physician and cardiothoracic surgeon who, upon returning to Ghana after his studies and practice abroad, recognized the urgent need for specialized cardiothoracic care within the country. In 1992, he established the NCTC at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

At the time, there were no facilities for cardiothoracic surgery in Ghana, which meant that patients requiring such care had to travel outside the country, often at great expense.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s vision was to create a center that would not only provide top-tier medical services but also serve as a training ground for young surgeons and medical professionals in this specialty. His efforts were instrumental in making advanced cardiac care accessible to Ghanaians and reducing the need for seeking such treatments abroad.

Under his leadership, the NCTC grew to become a reputable institution for both patient care and medical education. Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s contributions extend beyond the establishment of the NCTC; he has also been involved in various initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and has been a strong advocate for health-related issues in Ghana.

His dedication to the field of medicine and his impact on the healthcare system in Ghana have been widely recognized, making him a respected figure in the medical community both nationally and internationally.