Ghanaian MBA Holder Reuben Ayarna Hails Free SHS Policy

Ghanaian midfielder Reuben Ayarna has hailed the implementation of the free Senior High School Education policy.

Ayarna, 31-, who plays for Finnish Ilves FC, holds an MBA from the University of Nordjylland in Aalborg-Denmark.

The free SHS policy is the flagship programme of Ghana President Nana Akufo Addo.

The action to make education accessible and free to all senior high school students had been largely hailed as landmark decision.

And Ayarna, who is one of the few highly educated Ghanaian footballers, is delighted with the move.

'The free Senior High education will really help greatly, years back it used to be difficult for most footballers to get educated because of financial reasons. I used to understand most of my teammates because they had to choose football over school, but with the free SHS I think the young footballers should take advantage of it and get some level of education.' Ayarna is quoted by Footballmadeinghana.com

'In high school you learn a little bit of everything which will help you in future. I know some footballers who have signed bogus contracts with agents just because they couldn't read and when things get complicated and you are shown the contract, you realize how deceitful these agents have been to the players just because they could not understand.'

'The free education will really help and I advise the youth footballers to take advantage of it. I have spoken with Chibsah and we trying to figure out how PFAG can help encourage the youth to get educated. It has helped me a great deal and will love to see my young brothers and sisters get that privilege.' Ayarna added.

He added: 'Not being able to read and write is a big issue in the African football community, this make football administrators treat us anyhow. If you were to go around various African leagues, you will see the worst contracts presented to players from clubs and 'managers'.

'Even the national teams, getting educated will give these players a voice to demand for their rights and not be disrespected by anyone. Also getting educated will help you to be able to communicate in a common language. English is spoken worldwide so imagine an African footballer who can't even speak English at all goes to Sweden.'

'Basically u lacking the knowledge of two languages being spoken in a country can slow your adaptation to your new environment. Communication is very key to settling in a new environment,'

'Most importantly, problems with investment. How many of Africans has squandered money because they had no education on how to invest properly? Is one thing to invest and is another to invest properly and be on top of things so no one cheats you. This is where education will help. The new generation are trying to get some education through social media and others but still I believe we can do better and free SHS is the right way for young footballers.'

Th former GAIS and BK Hacken midfielder attended the Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School in Accra before proceeding to the Boston University for his first degree in economics.

He now holds and MBA from the University of Nordjylland in Aalborg-Denmark.