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By Edward Acquah Accra, Nov. 4, GNA – President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany has presented the Federal Cross of Merit to four individuals, including two Ghanaians, for promoting Ghana-Germany cooperation. The ceremony, held at the German Ambassador’s residence in Accra, recognised Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo, Mr Gerald Asamoah, and Mr Martin Wilde for their contributions in health, education, sports, and development. Professor Frimpong-Boateng, a former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, was honoured for advancing medical exchange between the two countries. Having trained at Hannover Medical School, he later established the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. President Steinmeier said Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s collaboration with German institutions had supported cardiovascular research and professional exchange. Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo, a Senior Lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), was recognised for fostering academic cooperation. President Steinmeier noted his role in establishing the German Centre at KNUST, which has promoted language studies and educational exchange for Ghanaian students seeking higher education in Germany. Mr Gerald Asamoah, a former German international footballer of Ghanaian origin, received the award for humanitarian work supporting children with heart disease. Through his foundation, German medical teams have conducted surgeries at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. President Steinmeier said the foundation’s efforts had strengthened bilateral cooperation in medical service delivery. Mr Martin Wilde, former Resident Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Ghana from 1998 to 2002, was honoured for his work in vocational training and youth development through the Don Bosco Technical Institute. President Steinmeier said Mr Wilde’s initiatives had expanded access to technical education for Ghanaian youth. In a post-award interview, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said, “I am very grateful for this recognition from Germany. 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,” he said. The Federal Cross of Merit, also known as the Verdienstkreuz am Bande, is one of Germany’s highest honours. President Steinmeier is in Ghana on a three-day state visit to strengthen bilateral ties. He held talks with President John Dramani Mahama and is expected to visit development projects and meet German businesses in the Ashanti Region. Edited by Kenneth Sackey
