Gender Ministry vows justice for teen footballer in alleged sexual abuse case

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has pledged to ensure swift and uncompromising justice in the case of 16-year-old footballer Ransford Owusu Ansah, who was allegedly sexually abused by his coach before his death.

In a statement released on Friday, November 7, the Ministry described the incident as “a grave crime that will not go unpunished,” stressing that sexual abuse against minors is an offence against the state and society.

Owusu, a player with the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, was reportedly abused by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, over a period of three years, starting when he was 13.

He had been receiving medical treatment since December 2024 before being admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he later died.

Following the allegations, the management of Siano Soccer Academy suspended the coach and is said to be cooperating fully with the police.

The Ministry announced that its Ashanti Regional Directorate has begun parallel investigations and is working closely with law enforcement agencies to establish the facts.

It also confirmed that the academy has been temporarily closed, while the Orange Support Centre under the Domestic Violence Secretariat coordinates trauma support for the victim’s family and other affected children.

The Ministry added that since February 2025, the Gender Minister, Naa Momo Lartey, has been in talks with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to introduce stronger child protection and abuse awareness protocols across all football academies nationwide.

Meanwhile, the accused coach, Ibrahim Anyass, has been directed to report to the CID headquarters as investigations intensify into the case that has shocked Ghana’s football community.