Couples- Stacy and hubby, ‘Okyeame’ Kofi Amoateng, Appiah and wife, Nathaniel Attoh of Joy FM and Nadia pose after the programme
Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah’s works on and off the pitch has earned him an Emklan status, a prestigious award that monitors the exploits of celebrities and rewards them accordingly.
And beginning this October through November to December 24, the ex-Juventus and Parma star would become the second honouree after pretty actress Nadia Buari at a special ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the State House.
At the press launch of the event at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra on Friday, Stacy Amoateng, the CEO of Emklan Group, revealed that the initiative sought to reward celebrities who had paid their dues to society.
She noted that the criteria of five years or more in the celebrity’s field of endeavour, and a charity oriented person among others supervised by a selection committee (College) should be met to merit the award.
The ‘Music Music’ hostess mentioned that the ceremony would kick off with soccer competitions in some basic schools in the country aimed at unearthing talents.
“It would be followed by a series of activities ahead of the event that will celebrate Appiah in a special way on the day which coincides with his birthday,” she said.
Emklan Entertainment has set aside a mouthwatering 20,000 cash prize for Appiah, and at the climax of the event, the organizers have also lined up a surprise package which includes an all-weekend paid treat at a special place outside Accra and Kumasi for the player and his wife.
Appiah, in the company of his wife, thanked Emklan for the recognition, stating, “I am highly honoured for this prestigious award. It tells me that people recognize what I am doing. I thank the organizers very much.
“It’s been a long journey. I went to Chorkor in Accra where I grew up, and taking into account their social setting, I decided to give back to them, because a lot of people supported me when I was growing up.
“I spoke with a friend on my return, and I decided to register 100 persons for free on the National Health Insurance Scheme, so they can have access to medication. I have built a medical care as well as a library for the community,” he added.
A very touching documentary on how Appiah began and where he is going was shown to the admiration of friends of the football legend who had gathered from far and near.
The program is being supported by the Ministry of Information.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum
