The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has conferred his country’s Federal Cross of Merit on four distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to Ghana–Germany cooperation in health, sports, education, and social development.
The honourees, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Gerald Asamoah, Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo, and Martin Wilde, received the decorations at a ceremony held at the residence of the German Ambassador in Accra on Monday night as part of President Steinmeier’s three-day state visit to Ghana.
President Steinmeier praised the awardees for serving as “bridges of friendship” between the two nations through years of service that have advanced medical innovation, youth development, and international understanding.
Professor Frimpong-Boateng, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and founder of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, was recognised for pioneering medical collaboration between Ghana and Germany and for mentoring scores of Ghanaian doctors.
Former German national footballer Gerald Asamoah, who was born in Ghana, was honoured for his humanitarian work through the Gerald Asamoah Foundation and his efforts to promote social inclusion and child health both in Germany and Ghana.
Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo was acknowledged for his longstanding work in building educational partnerships and exchange programmes that have opened opportunities for Ghanaian students in Germany.
Martin Wilde, a former country representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, received the award for his contributions to governance reforms and technical and vocational education initiatives in Ghana.
President Steinmeier, who arrived in Ghana on November 2 for a state visit, also held bilateral talks with President John Dramani Mahama focused on trade, climate transition, and youth employment. He is expected to visit Kumasi before concluding his trip on November 4.
The Federal Cross of Merit is Germany’s highest civilian honour, bestowed on individuals who make outstanding contributions to political, economic, cultural, and social advancement or foster strong bilateral ties.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
