Pressure is mounting on authorities especially the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, to take decisive action following the death of a 16-year old boy, allegedly molestated by his coach.
It follows Ransford Owusu-Ansah death earlier this year after his coach at Siano Football Academy, at Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, Ibrahim Anyass, allegedly sodomized him, developing a terminal disease, resulting in his demise in March. The incident apparently occurred in December 2024 but the boy confessed in 2025.
He was initially sent to a hospital but his health deteriorated forcing his mother Ama Asantewaa to move him to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), went into coma and finally gave up.
The case was at a point reported to the Kumasi based Oyerepa TV when Owusu-Ansah’s situation worsened and he was brought home from the Academy, sparking outrage. But efforts to get the coach to even react or arrest him to assist in investigation proved futile.
Knowing the severity of the issue went into hiding as the Academy officials vehemently denied knowledge of his whereabouts. The Ministry, reportedly took over the case promising to ensure justice is served.
Anyass was never arrested neither was the public updated on efforts made concerning the issue. But months on, he is said to be back to the Academy, discharging his duties as if nothing has happened.
Reports of this has angered many on social media who are agitating and expressing disappointment in the state especially the Police and the Ministry.
This has triggered a massive campaign where social media users are adding their voices to the call to arrest and prosecute Anyass as soon as possible. They have launched an online petition that has gathered thousands of signatures, demanding for his arrest and prosecution.
The campaign is supported with the hashtag #JusticeforRansford.
Meanwhile, Oyerepa Afutuo on Friday November 7, updated it viewers that Anyass has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra assisting in investigation.
Following the concerns online, the Ministry on Friday issued a statement updating the public. Part of the statement said “The docket has subsequently been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the CID Headquarters by the Amasaman DOVVSU for further investigations.”
Issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry, the statement narrated efforts and collaborations made so far with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Academy, mother of the deceased footballer and the Domestic Violence and Victims’ Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Police.
It also assured it commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of every child.
By Gifty Boateng