After a one year hiatus, the Showbiz Honours, an award scheme aimed at recognizing the immense contributions of Ghanaian celebrities towards society, has made a return with former footballer, Stephan Appiah as the 2012 recipient. The former captain of the senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana, will receive the award at a ceremony at the State Banquet Hall on December 24. This was announced at the launch of Showbiz Honours Festival at the Holiday Inn Hotel over the weekend, where organizers of the event, Emklan Entertainment revealed some activities that will precede the main ceremony.  The festival kicks off in October where a soccer event will be organized to unearth budding talents who will receive a scholarship to a reputable football academy in Ghana. The 3-months celebrations will climax with a free musical concert at the Accra Sports Stadium. Aside from leading the Ghana national team to two consecutive World Cup finals, Appiah is also noted for his generosity. His foundation StepApp has brought several reliefs to deprived communities in Ghana. The 31-year-old football star will receive a cash prize of GhC 20,000, a one-year office paid sponsorship for his foundation, an honorary plaque and an all paid weekend get away with his wife. Chief Executive of the awards organizers Emklan Group, Stacy Amoateng commented: “I believe the selection committee did a very good job in selecting Stephen Appiah due to his rich football record. He also has a foundation which gives a lot back to the community and I am sure there are other things he does to better the lives of deprived people. He was the first captain to take the Black Stars to the World Cup ever and we are proud to work with him. I hope this is the start of greater things to come for Stephen Appiah and we are proud to be associated with him”. Stephen ‘Tornado’ Appiah commented:  “I feel very good to be picked as the Honouree. I call myself a lucky guy because a lot of people are doing charity works, so I’m really happy to be here tonight. It means a lot; it shows that whatever I’m doing, people appreciate it. There is someone somewhere who appreciates or recognizes Stephen Appiah and Emklan Entertainment has done it and I’m happy for that” The launch was attended by celebrities from the world of music, films, sports, radio and television, including Nadia Buari, the first honouree of the Showbiz Honours 2010. ]]>