Ajax, Cameroon goalkeeper comes to the rescue of imprisoned Ghanaian goalie
Ajax Amsterdam and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has promised to do all he can to help Arhin Aboagye, a talented Ghanaian shot-stopper who is languishing at the Nsawam Prison realise his dream.
Read full articleThe Dutch-based goalkeeper made this promise after Arhin Aboagye named him as his role model during an interview and special documentary by Tv3’s Juliet Bawuah titled “ Football Behind Bars.”
In the riveting documentary, Arhin Aboagye exhibited extream abilities during the Prison’s Champion of Champions Cup which is a season finale to the league organized by the Service every year.
Described as a hero behind bars, Aboagye who refers to himself as a penalty expert narrates how he always wanted to become a professional goalkeeper until he had a brush with the law a few years ago, a situation which put a huge dent on his dreams.
“I always wanted to become a goalkeeper but my parents preferred having him in school instead. I wasn’t a brilliant student so I knew sports and football was my only way out. Unfortunately, I lost my way at some point and so I could not complete my education and also couldn’t pursue football. My truant and deviant ways finally landed me in jail.”
He adds that being in prison has given him a better perspective about life for which reason he doesn’t just look forward to being reformed, but also taking advantage of every opportunity to launch a career.
Aboagye said he looks up to Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana and says he hopes to emulate the success of the young Cameroonian goalie.
After Aboagye’s story was aired and posted on Social Media, Andre Onana saw it and said he was touched by his sheer determination in face of adversity.
Onana thus promised to send a signed jersey and gloves to the promising convict.
Reacting to the story, Onana tweeted "Life is not easy for most people.
Sometimes you can take shortcuts, but only effort and humility will bring you up to the right way. Everybody can make mistakes but the most important thing is to change and have a second chance to show that we can all be better people".
He added: "Arhin, keep up the great work.
I'll send you my signed shirt and gloves. I look forward to seeing you stop more penalties wearing them!
Aboagye has three more years to serve at Ghana’s medium security prison, having already served six years and some months.
