Frimpong-Boateng, K.2013-12-092013-12-092013-12-09http://197.255.68.203/handle/123456789/4609The cardiothoracic unit in the Department of Surgery at the College of Health Science, University of Ghana has evolved over the years from an obscure unit tucked at the fringes of “allied surgery” to become a foremost medical facility providing leading-edge care and research in adult cardiac surgery, paediatric cardiothoracic surgery, general thoracic surgery and cardiothoracic critical care, not only for clients in Ghana but also others from the entire West African sub-region. As a leading facility and pace setter in patients care and research the unit also continues its other mission of training the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anaesthetists, critical care and operating room nurses as well as cardiac technicians and medical students. The cardiothoracic unit has had tremendous impact on the health delivery system not only through its traditional functions of care, research and teaching but also by been a model of excellence in hospital management and team building and interdisciplinary cooperation thus blazing the trail for other units and departments. The unit has had a palpable impact on the socio-economic development of Ghana and it is looking into the future with hope and determination so as to maintain the high standards achieved so as not fall behind world standards. The unit will endeavour to maintain its traditional ties to partner centres abroad as well as seeking sub-regional cooperation especially in areas such as research and organ transplantation.enArticle