- 16-year-old footballer allegedly abused by coach for three years dies after medical treatment
- MoGCSP pledges full legal action against perpetrators and enablers
- Siano Soccer Academy coach suspended; academy temporarily closed
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has pledged to ensure justice is fully served in the case involving the alleged sexual abuse and subsequent death of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah.
Ransford, who played for the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, is reported to have been abused over a three-year period by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass. The Ministry described the incident as “a grave crime that will not go unpunished.”
In a statement released on Friday, November 7, the Ministry reiterated that sexual abuse of children is a serious offense against the state. It assured the public that all perpetrators and those who enable such crimes will face the full force of the law.
“The Ministry expresses deep sympathy to the bereaved family and emphasizes that crime has no statute of limitations. We remain committed to securing justice for Ransford Owusu Ansah and all children who deserve protection, dignity, and safety,” the statement said.
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim had been under the coach’s supervision since age 13 and had allegedly suffered sexual abuse unbeknownst to his mother. Ransford had been receiving medical care since December 2024 and was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he tragically passed away.
The Ministry confirmed that the Siano Soccer Academy management has suspended the coach and is cooperating fully with police investigations.
Strengthened Enforcement and Child Protection Measures
The Ministry’s Ashanti Regional Directorate has launched investigations to verify the facts and coordinate with law enforcement and relevant stakeholders.
Efforts are underway to improve accountability measures across Ghana’s football institutions. Since February 2025, Minister Naa Momo Lartey has engaged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement stronger child protection protocols for football academies nationwide.
As part of ongoing inquiries, the Siano Soccer Academy has been temporarily closed. 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).
Coach Ibrahim Anyass is expected to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on November 7.
