By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has vowed to ensure that justice is served in the disturbing case of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah, who was allegedly sexually abused by his coach over several years and later passed away.
According to reports, Ransford, a player with Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, suffered repeated sexual abuse at the hands of his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, beginning when he was just 13 years old. The Ministry has condemned the incident, describing it as “a grave crime that will not go unpunished.”
In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, the Ministry reaffirmed its position that sexual abuse of children is a serious offence and assured the public that all those responsible including anyone who enabled the crime would face prosecution.
“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.
Ongoing Investigations and Institutional Accountability
Initial investigations revealed that the young player had been living under his coach’s care since age 13, during which time the abuse allegedly occurred. He had reportedly been receiving medical treatment since December 2024 before being admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he tragically died.
The Ministry confirmed that the management of Siano Soccer Academy has suspended the coach and is cooperating with police investigations.
The Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ministry has begun a full probe, working with law enforcement and relevant partners to uncover the details of the case. It also disclosed plans to strengthen accountability and child protection frameworks within Ghana’s football system.
Strengthening Child Protection in Sports
Since February 2025, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has been in talks with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to develop and enforce stricter child protection policies across football academies nationwide.
As part of the current investigation, Siano Soccer Academy has been temporarily closed, while the Ministry, through its Orange Support Centre under the Domestic Violence Secretariat, continues to collaborate with DOVVSU offices in Amasaman and the Greater Accra Region.
Meanwhile, Coach Ibrahim Anyass has been ordered to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on November 7 to assist with the ongoing investigations.
