Michael Kwabena Essien was in good company Saturday night at the Banquet Hall, State House, when he walked in with African football legend George Weah, former Bayern Munich star defender Samuel Osei Kuffour and former national players Kwame Ayew, Augustine Ahinful, Yaw Preko and Stephen Baidoo to launch his foundation.

The Michael Essien is set to improve the life and living standard of the people of Awutu Breku and the surrounding communities by providing portable drinking water, health care and a host of other social amenities as his contribution to the community.

It will also provide a scheme for farmers to raise their productivity, sports day, a recreational centre and an annual training for women in accounting and occupational skills among others in honour of Essien's mother.

The launch at the Banquet Hall was a unique occasion with support also from colleague players, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Ali Muntari, Eric Addo, John Painstil and coach Milovan Rejevac all doing the trip down to Accra for the event.

Also present were Fabian Piveateau, Essien’s agent, President of Liberty sports, Alhaji Ibrahim Sly Tetteh, Chairman of Liberty Professionals, Felix Ansong, chairman of the FA Kwesi Nyantakyi, FA vice President Fred Pappoe and prominent politician Allan Kyeremanteng.

Launching the foundation African football legend George Weah was full of praise for Essien for the initiative and said his story is similar to that of Michael’s; from a humble beginning to the pinnacle of world football and it was great for him to look back and lend a hand.

When it was time for Essien to speak he walked over to his mum and as the two walked to deliver his speech the smile he wore a smile that lighten up the hall and deafened the cacophony of sound that heralded arrival to the podium.

But Essien struck the hall into absolute silence with his smooth off the cuff delivery with the mother tucked to his side.

He quickly reminded the guest how difficult it is to be doing this talking because he is one of the footballers who is very shy when the cameras are running and threw the hall back to the early days of his life which started in a humbling community in Awutu Breku.

"I have fond memories of Awutu Breku, but it's such a shame I don't get the time to visit there like I wanted. I am determined to do the little I can to impact on the lives of the people of my hometown and other parts of Ghana," Essien said.

He eloquently to the admiration of all talked about his story of struggle and survival and how he hopes it will remain an inspiration to not only the people of Awutu but also all of Africa.

Chelsea Football Club was also represented on the night, and there was a solidarity message from club owner Roman Abramovich.

Team mates midfielder Frank Lampard, goalkeeper Petr Cech, Ivorian strike powerhouse Didier Drogba and Chelsea and England captain John Terry gave their support and also donated autographed items for auction to help raised initial capital for the foundation.

Telecommunication giants MTN donated 20,000 pounds a year for the next years, the auction sales of Didier Drogba's boots(3,000 Ghana cedis), John Terry's boots(8,000 Ghana cedis).

Petr Cech's gloves (500 Ghana cedis), Chelsea construction kit (1,000 Ghana cedis) and Lampard's jersey (31,000 Ghana cedis).

Alhaji Sly Tetteh who nurtured Essien at Liberty President bought his autographed jersey for 40,000 Ghana cedis