The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has assured the public that justice will be pursued relentlessly in the case involving the alleged sexual abuse and subsequent death of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah.
The young footballer, a player of the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, was reportedly abused by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, over a period of three years. The Ministry described the incident as “a grave crime that will not go unpunished.”
In a statement released on Friday, November 7, the Ministry reaffirmed its stance that any form of sexual abuse against children constitutes a serious offence against the state and assured that all perpetrators and their enablers will face the full rigour of the law.
“The Ministry empathises deeply with the bereaved family and emphasises that crime has no expiration. We remain committed to ensuring justice for the victim and his family. Justice will be served — not only for Ransford Owusu Ansah but for every child who deserves protection, dignity, and safety,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings showed that the victim had been under the coach’s care since he was 13. Unknown to his mother, he allegedly suffered sexual abuse during that period and had been receiving medical care since December 2024. He was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he tragically passed away.
The Ministry confirmed that the management of Siano Soccer Academy had suspended the coach and was cooperating fully with the police.
Stronger Enforcement and Child Protection Measures
The Ministry said its Ashanti Regional Directorate had commenced investigations to establish the facts and coordinate with law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry noted that steps were being taken to tighten accountability mechanisms within Ghana’s football institutions.
It said that since February 2025, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey had engaged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement stronger child protection protocols across football academies nationwide.
As part of ongoing investigations, the Siano Soccer Academy has been temporarily closed, while the Ministry, through its Orange Support Centre under the Domestic Violence Secretariat, continues to coordinate with the Amasaman and Greater Accra Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Units (DOVVSU).
Meanwhile, Coach Ibrahim Anyass is expected to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on November 7.
