The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has assured the public that justice will be pursued without relent in the case concerning the alleged sexual abuse and subsequent death of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah.
The young athlete, who played for the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, was reportedly subjected to abuse by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, over a span of three years. The Ministry characterized the incident as “a serious crime that will not go unpunished.”
In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, the Ministry reiterated its position that any form of sexual abuse against children is a grave offense against the state and assured that all offenders and their accomplices will face the full force of the law.
“The Ministry expresses profound sympathy for the grieving family and stresses that crime does not have a statute of limitations. We remain dedicated to securing justice for the victim and his family. Justice will be delivered — not only for Ransford Owusu Ansah but for every child who deserves protection, dignity, and safety,” the statement declared.
Initial findings indicated that the victim had been under the coach’s supervision since he was 13. Unbeknownst to his mother, he allegedly endured sexual abuse during that time and had been receiving medical treatment since December 2024. He was subsequently admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he sadly passed away.
The Ministry confirmed that the management of Siano Soccer Academy had suspended the coach and was fully cooperating with the police.
Stronger Enforcement and Child Protection Measures
The Ministry stated that its Ashanti Regional Directorate had initiated investigations to ascertain the facts and coordinate with law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry also noted that measures were being implemented to enhance accountability mechanisms within Ghana’s football institutions.
It has been reported that since February 2025, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has been in discussions with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to establish more robust child protection measures across football academies throughout the country.
In the course of ongoing investigations, the Siano Soccer Academy has been temporarily shut down, while the Ministry, via its Orange Support Centre under the Domestic Violence Secretariat, continues to collaborate with the Amasaman and Greater Accra Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Units (DOVVSU).
In the meantime, Coach Ibrahim Anyass is scheduled to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on November 7.
