Prof. Frimpong-Boateng receives ‘Greatest Medical Scientist’ award

In recognition of his sterling contribution to healthcare delivery as a heart surgeon, the Minister of Environment Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, was yesterday presented with the “Pan African Greatest Medical Scientist Contemporary Award.”

Instituted by the Bureau of Research on Governance, Commerce and Administration, a non-governmental organisation, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng is the first recipient of the award.

It is to honour Africans for their exceptional contribution to national and continental socio-economic development.

Presentation

Presenting a golden memento to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng in his office in Accra, a representative of the NGO, Nana Dei Broni, said the initiate was an attempt by the bureau to play a lead role in recognising exceptional people while they were still alive to motivate them to do more.

He added that the award would be given every two years and like Professor Frimpong-Boateng, beneficiaries would be selected by an independent committee put together by the bureau.

Nana Broni said the bureau was also planning to get a memorial in honour of all people who had contributed exceptionally to national development so that the younger generation would benefit from the life history and works of such great minds to motivate them to also maximise their potential.

He indicated that the award was also geared towards motivating the youth and promoting Pan-Africanism.

Achievements

Some of Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s achievements that won him the award included the establishment of the National Cardiothoracic Centre  in Accra in 1992 which is now recognised by the West African College of Surgeons. It trains heart surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anesthetists, operating room nurses, intensive care nurses, cardiac technicians and other cardiothoracic technicians.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng also performed the first open-heart surgery in Ghana using the heart-lung-machine.

He also established the Ghana Heart Foundation to raise funds to assist those who cannot afford the cost of heart surgery, as well as other initiatives.

Gratitude

In his response, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng expressed gratitude to the bureau for the recognition and honour done him.

He said he would continue to contribute to health, science, technology and innovation.

The minister called for an attitudinal change in dealing with the environment because ” there cannot be meaningful development in filth and destruction of biodiversity.”

“Our sanitation and environmental challenges are to a large extent, attitudinal. Let us, therefore, be mindful of our environment in everything we do, considering the impact of a filthy environment on our health and socio-economic development as individuals and as a nation,” he said.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was of the belief that if all stakeholders played their part effectively, the sanitation challenges the country was saddled with could be addressed.

“The journey is not an easy one but the determination of the President and his ministers together with all stakeholders is an indication of a battle that will surely be won,” he stated.

The Bureau

The bureau is made up of experts and professionals in research, governance, business management and administration.

Since its inception in 2012, it has been eminent in rewarding and commending individuals and institutions for their outstanding contribution to national development.

Writer’s email doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh

CAPTION: A Ghanaian exhibitor, Mr Mawuli Akpenyo of Delata Ghana Limited explaining a point to a customer at the fair.