Heart of Hope: How Gerald Asamoah’s Foundation Plans Lifesaving Heart Surgeries in the Ashanti Region
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Gerald Asamoah’s foundation is preparing a major heart-surgery initiative for children in the Ashanti Region, a project joining global expertise with local compassion.
The initiative continues years of humanitarian work that began in Germany, expanded to Accra, and is now planned for Kumasi and the Ashanti Region, where Asamoah’s story began.
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From Mampong to Germany: The Beginning of a Mission
Gerald Asamoah was born on October 3, 1978, in Mampong, Ashanti Region.
At 19, he collapsed after a football match in Germany and was diagnosed with a severe thickening of his heart wall, a congenital defect that nearly ended his career.
Instead, he turned it into a purpose. The Gerald Asamoah Stiftung für Herzkranke Kinder (Foundation for Children with Heart Disease) was later founded in Germany to fund surgeries for children born with similar conditions.
From Accra to Kumasi: Expanding Care in Ghana
The foundation began supporting medical missions in Accra, partnering with Kinderherzen e.V. and the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Recent collaborations have brought around 50 German heart specialists to Ghana for free pediatric surgeries and follow-up care.
The next phase aims to extend these efforts to the Ashanti Region in 2026, bringing life-saving care to children and families in central Ghana.
💡 Did You Know? Gerald Asamoah recently received the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in recognition of his humanitarian work and his efforts to strengthen German-Ghanaian friendship through the Gerald Asamoah Foundation.The Bundesverdienstkreuz is Germany’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation or to international cooperation.
Why the Ashanti Region Needs This Project
Recent health studies show why this expansion is both timely and necessary.
In Kumasi, about 17.9 percent of all hospital admissions are related to cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and stroke.
Across Ghana, the Ashanti Region records one of the highest cardiovascular-disease prevalence rates at roughly 15.5 percent, nearly double that of Greater Accra (7.9 percent).
For children, the need is equally serious. Congenital heart defects affect about one in every 100 births, yet pediatric heart-surgery capacity remains limited nationwide, based on findings from the Boston Children’s Hospital Global Health Program.
Bringing the Gerald Asamoah Foundation’s project to Kumasi, home to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, does not just offer proximity.
It strengthens access to skilled medical teams, established infrastructure, and regional outreach, while also connecting the effort to Asamoah’s birthplace of Asante Mampong, symbolically bringing lifesaving care back to his home region.
Heart Health in Ghana (Regional Overview)
| Region | CVD Prevalence (%) | Main Facility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashanti | 15.5 | Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi) | Highest recorded regional rate |
| Greater Accra | 7.9 | Korle Bu Teaching Hospital | Base for earlier missions |
| Northern Region | 1.6 | Tamale Teaching Hospital | Lowest national rate |
Formal Request to the Asantehene
A formal letter of request has been sent to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on behalf of the Gerald Asamoah Foundation, seeking his permission, support, and blessing for the foundation’s plan to extend its free heart-surgery program to the Ashanti Region in 2026.
The request outlines how the foundation’s previous missions in Accra have saved the lives of children with congenital heart defects and expresses the intent to collaborate with local hospitals and regional health authorities within the region.
While partnerships are still being finalized, local Hospitals in Kumasi and the Ashanti Region have several probable medical facilities.
The foundation also acknowledged the contributions of Mr. Prince, grandson of the Sumankwahene, and Otumfuo’s grandson, Somesisi (Kofi Owusu), for their continued support in moving the project forward.
💡 Did You Know?
Sumankwahene (literally “chief of charms or medicine”) serves as the head of traditional medicine and spiritual protection under the Asantehene.
He oversees traditional healing, ritual protection, and the preservation of sacred herbal and spiritual practices within the kingdom – a role deeply rooted in Asanteman tradition.
As part of the next steps, plans are underway for a formal audience at Manhyia Palace to seek the Asantehene’s blessing and officially present the foundation’s intentions.
The audience aims to strengthen dialogue on medical collaboration, long-term support, and the foundation’s expansion to the Ashanti Region.
“My passion for helping kids with heart condition is because of what happened to me in the prime of my profession as a footballer.” – Gerald Asamoah
At Explore Kumasi, we share stories that highlight the people, partnerships, and projects shaping the Ashanti Region’s future.
The Gerald Asamoah Foundation’s planned heart-surgery initiative reflects the heart of what Kumasi and the Ashanti Region stand for, compassion, community, and legacy.
By telling these stories, we hope to inspire continued pride, participation, and progress within Asanteman and beyond.:
For updates on progress and ways to support, visit gerald-asamoah-stiftung.de or follow Explore Kumasi for ongoing coverage of community projects across the Ashanti Region.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Project
Who is Gerald Asamoah?
A former professional footballer born in Mampong, Ashanti Region, who became the first African-born player to represent Germany. He founded the Gerald Asamoah Foundation for Children with Heart Disease.
Why is the Ashanti Region chosen for the next phase?
The region records one of Ghana’s highest cardiovascular-disease rates (≈ 15.5 %) and limited pediatric cardiac-surgery access. It’s also Gerald Asamoah’s home region, linking his personal roots with the need for improved care.
When will the project start?
The foundation plans its Ashanti Region launch for 2026, pending official blessing and logistical arrangements.
Which hospitals could be involved?
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi is the most probable partner, though other local facilities may join the effort.
How can people support the initiative?
Through donations or partnerships listed on the official site gerald-asamoah-stiftung.de.
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