German President honours four Ghanaians for advancing bilateral ties

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has honoured four individuals for their exceptional contributions to strengthening the long-standing relations between Ghana and Germany.

Those recognised were Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, renowned heart surgeon and founder of the National Cardiothoracic Centre; Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo, a key promoter of Ghana-German educational collaboration; former German footballer of Ghanaian descent Gerald Asamoah; and Martin Wilde, former representative of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Ghana.

The honours, known as the Federal Cross of Merit, were presented during a ceremony at the German Ambassador’s residence in Accra on Monday, as part of President Steinmeier’s three-day state visit to Ghana. The event was attended by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the German Ambassador Frederik Landshoft, and relatives of the awardees.

President Steinmeier praised Professor Frimpong-Boateng for maintaining close medical and academic ties with Germany and for establishing Ghana’s premier heart surgery centre, which continues to provide affordable care to low-income patients.

Dr Nyadu-Addo was commended for his pivotal role in promoting German language and education through his work in establishing a German centre in Ghana and fostering partnerships between Ghanaian and German universities.

Gerald Asamoah was honoured for his humanitarian work through the Gerald Asamoah Foundation for Children with Heart Diseases, which brings German medical experts to Ghana to perform life-saving surgeries.

Martin Wilde received recognition for his continued contribution to education and development in Ghana, particularly through his collaboration with the Don Bosco Technical Institute to promote vocational training and youth empowerment.

The awards highlight Germany’s appreciation for individuals who have built bridges of cooperation between both nations in education, medicine, sports, and development.