Former captain of the Black Stars of Ghana, Stephen Appiah was on Friday unveiled as the recipient of the 2012 Showbiz Honours at the Holiday Inn Hotel. The award is the brainchild of Emklan Entertainment and it is aimed at recognizing and honouring showbiz personalities who have contributed immensely to the society through their work. It started two years ago with actress Nadia Buari being the first recipient. The show however did not come off last year due to, what organizers said, were challenges beyond their control. Friday’s event was attended by some personalities in the entertainment industry including Nadia Buari, Ekow Smith Asante, Pascaline Edwards, Gifty Osei, Dada K. D., Yvonne Okoro and Adenta Member of Parliament, Kojo Adu-Asare. The ceremony kicked off with a prayer from Prophet Osei, husband of gospel musician Gifty Osei. Songstress Shee performed the national anthem followed by a minute silence in honour of late President John Evans Atta Mills. Musician Okyeame Quophi, CEO of Emklan Entertainment in a speech said although the 2011 edition could not come off, they were excited that the event is coming on this year. Stacy Amoateng, wife of Okyeame Quophi, disclosed that Stephen Appiah will receive a cash prize of GHc22,000, an office space, for a year, to operate his StepApp Foundation, which gives back to society, and a fully sponsored weekend trip to any destination of his choice. She disclosed that they are acknowledging and honouring Stephen Appiah for his numerous exploits including being the first captain to lead Ghana to its first World Cup – at Germany 2006. Handing over the baton, Nadia Buari said she was excited for being the first recipient of the honours and thanked the organizers for giving her the opportunity. She expressed her delight of handing over to Stephen Appiah. Preceding Stephen Appiah’s speech was a short documentary on his life and achievements including interviews with his teachers who gave accounts of how enthused he was about football at an early age. Stephen Appiah, who attended the event with his wife Mrs Hannah Appiah, in an acceptance speech said he was excited about the honour and disclosed that he will be donating the money to his StepApp Foundation. There will be series of events, including a football match, a free musical concert, and a walk for charity, lined up to honour the legendary footballer and it will be climaxed on his birthday, December 24, at the Banquette Hall, State House.