Gender Ministry Hands Over Case of Abused Teen Footballer ‘Ransford’ to CID Homicide Unit

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has confirmed that the case involving the alleged sexual abuse and death of 16-year-old footballer Ransford Owusu Ansah of Siano Soccer Academy has been referred to the Homicide Unit of the CID Headquarters for further investigation.

In a statement released on November 7, 2025, the Ministry expressed deep sympathy to the victim’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice.

“We empathise deeply with the bereaved family. The Ministry emphasizes that crime has no expiration and remains committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his family,” the statement read.

Ransford was allegedly sodomised by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, while under his care at the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman. Preliminary findings indicated that the teenager had lived with the coach for about three years, during which the abuse allegedly took place without his mother’s knowledge.

The victim reportedly began receiving treatment in December 2024 and was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he sadly passed away.

Following the incident, the Siano Soccer Academy management suspended the coach and pledged full cooperation with police investigators.

The Ministry said it had taken a keen interest in the case, and through the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Gender, it initiated follow-up investigations and engaged the family and relevant stakeholders.

Since February 2025, the Ministry has also engaged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strengthen child protection systems within football institutions. The academy has since been temporarily closed pending the outcome of investigations.

The statement added that the Ministry, through its Orange Support Centre (OSC) and the Departments of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for all children.

The Ministry urged the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse or violence to the Domestic Violence Call Centre (0800-111-222) or at the nearest DOVVSU or Social Welfare office.