Gender Ministry Vows Justice for 16-Year-Old Footballer Sexually Abused and Killed by Coach
Gender Ministry pledges justice for young footballer allegedly abused by coach; vows stronger child protection reforms in Ghana’s sports sector.
- 16-year-old footballer allegedly abused by his coach for three years before his death
- Ministry pledges justice and partners with GFA to strengthen child protection
- Coach suspended; Siano Soccer Academy temporarily closed
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has pledged to ensure swift justice in the tragic case of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah, who was allegedly sexually abused and later died under the care of his coach.
Ransford, a player with Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, was reportedly abused by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, over a period of three years. The Ministry described the act as “a grave crime that will not go unpunished.”
In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, the Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to ensure all perpetrators of child abuse face the full force 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 Ransford Owusu Ansah and every child who deserves protection, dignity, and safety,” it said.
Investigations revealed that the young footballer had been under the coach’s care since age 13 and had been receiving treatment since December 2024. He was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he sadly passed away.
The Siano Soccer Academy has suspended the coach and is cooperating with police as inquiries continue.
Strengthening Child Protection in Sports
The Ministry’s Ashanti Regional Directorate has begun investigations in collaboration with law enforcement and child welfare agencies. It also announced that the government is working with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strengthen child protection measures in all football academies nationwide.
Since February 2025, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has engaged the GFA to implement tighter accountability and reporting systems across sports institutions.
Meanwhile, the Siano Soccer Academy has been temporarily closed, and the Ministry’s Orange Support Centre is providing psychological and legal support to the family through DOVVSU.
Coach Ibrahim Anyass has been ordered to report to the CID Headquarters on Friday, November 7, as investigations deepen.
