Story By: George Oware

On the illustrious evening of Saturday, October 14, 2023, the Grand Arena at the Accra International Conference Centre witnessed a momentous occasion as former Ghana Black Star captain, Asamoah Gyan, received the esteemed Continental Icon Award at the 8th EMY Africa Awards.

Asamoah Gyan’s enduring legacy in African football and his philanthropic endeavors were celebrated with this remarkable accolade. Gyan’s influence transcends the football pitch, making him an icon who has left an indelible mark on the continent.

Gyan, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished African footballers of all time, stands as a testament to the pursuit of excellence. His record of 51 goals for the Ghana national team establishes him as the all-time leading scorer. His journey through the footballing world has seen him represent some of Europe’s premier clubs, including Sunderland and Udinese, further solidifying his stature as a football legend.

ASAMOAH GYAN on X: “Thanks you Ghana , thank you @EMYAfrica for this special recognition “ Continental Sports Icon award “ , another one for the contribution to the game for God & Country . Will keep impacting and inspiring as long as the lord gives us life @AnimSammy thank you for all the hard work… https://t.co/tMO3R1NIfL” / X (twitter.com)

Beyond his athletic exploits, Gyan has ventured into the realms of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. He is the visionary founder of the Asamoah Gyan Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of children and youth in Ghana. Gyan’s philanthropic commitment underscores his mission to make a positive impact on society beyond the realm of sports.

The EMY Africa Awards, an annual event of great prestige, serve as a platform to honor individuals who have made substantial contributions to society across diverse fields, including business, entertainment, and sports. This remarkable celebration is orchestrated by the Exclusive Men’s Club International, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the development of men and boys in Africa.

The full list of honorees for this year’s EMY Africa Awards is as follows:

Continental Icon Award — Asamoah Gyan

Man of the Year (Sports) – Mohammed Kudus

Discovery of the Year Award – Mohammed Kudus

Woman of the Year Award – Beatrice A. Agyemang

Man of Courage Award – Cobhams Asuquo

Designer of the Year – Jay Ray Ghartey

Young Achiever (Female) Award – Berla Bundi

Creative and Support Arts Awards – Ibrahim Mahama

Actor of the Year – Bill Asamoah

Media Excellence Award – Tajudeen Adepetu

The 8th EMY Africa Awards was a night to remember, celebrating the achievements of remarkable individuals who continue to shape the course of society across various domains.