Distinguished is level 3 of 5 in the Ghana Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
A midfielder of rare physical command, he won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at Chelsea during the club's strongest decade.
Born in Accra in December 1982, Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 and won the Premier League in 2006 and 2010 and the FA Cup in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
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