By Ameenu Shardow
Follow on Twitter @alooameenu
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been awarded the ‘Humanitarian Campaigner of the Year 2015’.
The 32-year-old was recognized by British newsweekly Asian Voice in their Political and Public Life Awards category for his charitable and selfless work in supporting the needy in his native Ghana.
Essien was handed the award particularly for his #UnitedAgstEbola initiative which aims to raise funds to educate people in West Africa about Ebola prevention.
The AC Milan star could not attend the award ceremony due to his stringent schedule at his club.
He was thus represented by his wife Akosua Puni who received the award on his behalf.
“I am honoured, delighted and grateful to be selected as the Humanitarian Campaigner of the year 2015. This is a prestigious award which I humbly accept,” Mrs. Essien said on behalf of the former Chelsea star.
“I am pleased that this award celebrates the good work we have been doing to support the needy in society and will like to share this with my family, friends, Michael Essien foundation team and Health Africa International team.
“Finally, I will like to say a big tank you to all those who have supported our latest campaign – UnitedAgstEbola, please keep supporting us.”