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

The award ceremony took place on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the German Ambassador’s residence in Accra, as part of President Steinmeier’s three-day state visit to Ghana.

Professor Frimpong-Boateng was honoured for his decades-long role in building and sustaining partnerships in medical practice, education, and research between the two countries.

President Steinmeier lauded Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine, noting that his collaboration with German medical and research institutions has fostered scientific exchange and innovation in both nations.

A trailblazer in his field, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng trained in cardiac surgery at Hannover Medical School in Germany, where he became one of the early pioneers of heart transplantation. He returned to Ghana in 1989 and went on to establish the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCC) at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in 1992.

The Centre — which also houses the Ghana Heart Foundation, founded by him — has since performed thousands of life-saving heart surgeries and trained dozens of cardiothoracic specialists across Ghana and other African countries.

Beyond clinical work, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng has been instrumental in promoting research and academic exchange between Ghanaian and German institutions, helping strengthen ties in medical innovation and training.

Speaking after receiving the award, he described the honour as deeply meaningful but also a reminder of the need for Ghana to recognise and celebrate its own professionals.

“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 the good of our country through collaboration with our German partners.”

A graduate of the University of Ghana Medical School, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng trained further in Germany, qualifying as a general, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgeon. He later became Chief Executive Officer of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a professor at the University of Ghana Medical School, and served as Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation from 2017 to 2021.

The Federal Cross of Merit (Verdienstkreuz am Bande) is one of Germany’s highest civilian honours, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation or to advancing Germany’s international relations.

President Steinmeier’s visit to Ghana focuses on deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic development, education, and sustainability.