BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Ghana Police Service has intensified investigations into the tragic death of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu, a junior player with the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, Accra, who was allegedly sexually abused by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass.
In a press statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirmed that it is conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances leading to the young footballer’s death.
Mother’s Report And Initial Investigation
According to police findings, Ransford’s mother, Ama Asantewaa, lodged a formal complaint at the Amasaman Police Station shortly after her son’s death in February 2025.
She reported that her son, who had been training at the Siano Soccer Academy, had fallen ill and died on February 28, 2025, after allegedly confiding in her that his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, had sexually assaulted him.
The case was initially handled by local investigators but was later transferred to the Homicide Unit at CID Headquarters due to its sensitive and criminal nature.
On November 4, 2025, suspect Ibrahim Anyass was arrested and interrogated by CID officers.
His statement was taken, and he was later granted police bail on condition that he reports regularly to the CID Headquarters as investigations continue.
Medical Findings And Court Intervention
Police say they have so far reviewed medical documents provided by the deceased’s mother from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Kumasi.
The preliminary medical information suggests that Ransford had been treated for liver and kidney-related complications before his death.
However, the police noted that official postmortem and hospital reports have not yet been received directly from the two facilities.
To obtain confirmation of the exact cause of death, investigators have secured a court order compelling both hospitals to release the full medical records of the deceased, as earlier formal requests were declined by hospital administrators.
The move, according to police sources, is aimed at ensuring forensic accuracy and transparency in determining whether the alleged sexual abuse contributed in any way to Ransford’s deteriorating health and subsequent death.
New Twist
In a new development, police revealed that a viral video showing suspect Anyass and a minor in a compromising situation has surfaced online, prompting the CID to broaden the scope of its investigations.
Authorities are now calling on members of the public who possess credible information or evidence—including digital materials that could assist in the investigation—to report to the Homicide Unit at the CID Headquarters or to any nearest police station.
“The Ghana Police Service remains committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case,” the statement read.
“We urge anyone with relevant information to cooperate with investigators to bring closure to this disturbing matter.”
Background: The #JusticeForRansford Movement
The case has ignited widespread public outrage under the viral hashtag #JusticeForRansford, with many Ghanaians demanding accountability from both the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Siano Soccer Academy.
Ransford’s story first came to light earlier this year after reports surfaced that the teenager had endured years of sexual abuse while under the supervision of Coach Anyass.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has since intervened, confirming that Ransford had been under the coach’s care for nearly three years and had received medical attention since late 2024 before passing away.
Following mounting public pressure, Siano Soccer Academy suspended the coach and temporarily shut down its operations pending the outcome of police investigations.
The Ministry of Gender and DOVVSU have also pledged full cooperation with the police to ensure justice for the victim and his family.
Police Reassurance and Call for Public Support
The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and thorough investigation, noting that it will continue to work closely with medical authorities, child protection agencies, and the Ministry of Gender.
“This case is being treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity,” the statement emphasized.
“The Service wishes to assure the public that due process will be followed and justice will not be compromised.”
The Police further urged the public to respect the privacy of the bereaved family, avoid spreading misinformation, and use official channels to share any verified information that could support the ongoing investigation.
