The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has confirmed that the case involving the alleged sexual assault and subsequent death of 16-year-old footballer Ransford Owusu Ansah has been handed over to the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further investigation.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, the Ministry said it had taken a keen interest in the case after reports emerged that the young footballer had allegedly been abused by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, at the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman.
According to the Ministry, its Ashanti Regional Directorate of Gender had already begun preliminary inquiries to verify the details and engage all relevant parties, including the victim’s family. Early findings revealed that the deceased had lived under the supervision of his coach for about three years.
“Unbeknownst to his mother, he had allegedly endured sexual abuse during that time,” the statement disclosed.
The Ministry noted that Ransford had been receiving medical treatment since December 2024 and was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he sadly passed away.
Following the development, the management of the Siano Soccer Academy suspended the coach and pledged full cooperation with the police.
“We express our deepest sympathy to the grieving family,” the Ministry said, adding that “crime has no expiration, and the Ministry remains committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his loved ones.”
The statement further indicated that since assuming office in February 2025, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection had been collaborating with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strengthen child protection measures and ensure greater accountability in football training institutions.
As part of these efforts, the Siano Soccer Academy has been temporarily closed to allow for thorough investigations.
The Ministry added that the case had earlier been handled by the Orange Support Centre (OSC) of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, in collaboration with the Amasaman Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), before being referred to the Greater Accra Regional DOVVSU.
Reaffirming its commitment to child welfare, the Ministry stated:
“The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection remains steadfast in its mission to protect the dignity, safety and rights of every child in Ghana.”
Through its nationwide network, including the Departments of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, as well as the Orange Support Centre, the Ministry said it continues to partner with key stakeholders to ensure justice for victims of abuse.
It also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child exploitation or violence.
“We call on the public to report all suspected cases of child abuse through the Domestic Violence Call Centre (0800-111-222) or to the nearest Social Welfare or DOVVSU office,” the statement concluded.
Read Full Statement Here:
Child Rights Group Urges Swift and Tougher Action Against Child Sex Offenders in Ghana