The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection says the case involving the abuse and death of 16 year old Ransford Owusu Ansah by his football coach Ibrahim Anyass, has been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
According to the Ministry, they remain committed to ensuring justice in the matter, emphasizing that crime has no expiration date.
The Ministry issued a statement on November 7, providing an update on the case that has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability under the #JusticeforRansford campaign.
The statement noted that the Ministry took a keen interest in the case after reports surfaced alleging that Coach Ibrahim Anyass of the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman had repeatedly sexually abused Ransford over a three-year period, leading to serious health complications and his death in March 2025.
“Upon learning of the incident, the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Gender immediately initiated follow-up investigations to ascertain the facts and engage relevant stakeholders, including the victim’s family,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings, according to the Ministry, revealed that Ransford received medical treatment from December 2024 until his passing at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The management of Siano Soccer Academy has since suspended the coach and pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
“We empathise deeply with the bereaved family. The Ministry emphasizes that crime has no expiration and therefore remains committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his family,” the statement added.
The Gender Ministry said Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, upon assuming office in February 2025, engaged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strengthen child protection mechanisms in football and ensure accountability.
Following those discussions, Siano Soccer Academy also temporarily closed its facility while investigations proceeded.
The Ministry also worked with the Orange Support Center (OSC) of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Amasaman DOVVSU, and the Greater Accra Regional DOVVSU before the case was officially handed to the CID’s Homicide Unit.
“The docket has subsequently been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the CID Headquarters by the Amasaman DOVVSU for further investigations,” the statement confirmed.
“The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of every child in Ghana.”
The Ministry also encouraged the public to remain alert and report all suspected cases of child abuse and violence through the Domestic Violence call centre 0800-111-222 or at the nearest Social Welfare or DOVVSU office.
