Sports News of Thursday, 18 November 2010

Source: GNA

Essien begins phase one plan of Foundation

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Black Stars midfielder Micheal Essien has commissioned two projects as part of efforts to reach out to the people of his community in the Awutu Breku area of the Central Region. The two projects; a bore hole for the provision of portable water and a ten-seater public toilet at the cost of GhC56,000 were initiated by the Michael Essien Foundation (MEF).

Essien, who was given a heroic welcome on his arrival in his hometown, together with Black Stars play mate, Sulley Ali Muntari, officials of the Foundation and Chelsea Football Club, said the decision to establish the Foundation was to give back to the society where he had his childhood formations.

The workaholic midfielder said his Foundation is bent on giving the people of his community a decent life through the provision of amenities under the scheme, adding that more development projects will be provided to the people in due course.

"After identifying myself with the citizens of the land, it has been my dream and inspiration to come back home to support the community". Essien noted.

Mr Mike Gizo, Chairman of the MEF said the commissioning of the projects was a foretaste of the many basic social amenities the Foundation had purposed to spread around the Senya Breku communities. Ms Emma Wilkinson, head of communications, Chelsea FC praised Essien for his foresight in setting up and ensuring the work of the Foundation come to fruition, adding that "Essien is a great player; his Foundation is doing well, and creating opportunities he never had in his hometown. She said the projects were a clear demonstration that he has Ghana at heart."