BLACK STARS ace, Michael Essien in an exclusive interview has explained the rationale behind his setting up of the MICHAEL ESSIEN FOUNDATION (MEF) in Ghana as the Chelsea ace gears up for the grand launch at a charity dinner dance scheduled for the 14th of November 2009 (Saturday) in Accra.

The MEF, which aims to create opportunities and hope for the disadvantaged around the Awutu Breku area, is to be expanded later to other parts of the country. The project will be launched by Michael Essien himself and in attendance will be Ghana's Vice President, His Excellency John Mahama together with Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah and a host of other celebrities. Essien said: "The greatest motivation for wanting to help with some basic amenities for the underprivileged people in my area is the fact that I lost my elder brother (his mum's first born) who was also an excellent footballer through the lack of these basic amenities."

He continued: "The tragic incident occurred as a result of my brother going to look for water for the family and accidentally fell into a well. Having been blessed in my football career, I intend to give something back to society and with the setting of the foundation; certain basic amenities would be provided for these communities which could also save a life as well.” Information reaching 90 MINUTES indicates that a five year plan has been drawn up by the Ess Team (Pure Persona) after a feasibility study of the area and consulting with some elders and people of Awutu Breku. The MEF Project is designed to give the underprivileged accessibility to basic amenities like healthcare equipments, libraries, public toilets and clean drinking water.