African drums sounded and people cheered as Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, a surgeon from Ghana, accepted the African Heroes award Sunday night.
African Heroes Night, hosted by Ohio University’s African Student Union, honored Boateng’s contributions to Ghana in the field of cardiovascular care.
“He chose to give of himself to improve the human condition,” OU President Roderick McDavis said at the event. “When the history of Ghana is written, this gentleman’s contributions will stand out.”
Boateng established the National Cardiothoracic Centre and the Ghana Heart Foundation in 1989 to raise money for children undergoing heart surgery and to educate citizens on cardiovascular diseases, according to a university news release.
“You set an example for all of us,” said Manu Ngueyanouba, president of the African Student Union. “As a philanthropist, you make sure that the poorest people have access to health services.”
OU graduate student Prince Adu, who is studying international development studies, nominated Boateng for the award, according to a previous article in The Post.
The event, held in the Baker University Center ballroom, included live music, African food and an open mic session for poetry, dance and music.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which honors people who have made significant contributions to Africa.
Boateng flew in for the event and spoke on stage after receiving the award.
“We know we have … allies here,” Boateng said. “As soon as you arrive here, you feel at home. And I feel at home in Athens.”
McDavis traveled to Ghana in 2010 to develop an OU study abroad program and alumni chapter there, and in his speech at African Heroes Night, he noted the welcoming nature of its people.
“The people of Ghana are among the friendliest people in the world,” McDavis said. “It means something important when everywhere you go, people have smiles on their faces just because they get to live another day.”
pe219007@ohiou.edu
