Police Investigate Death of Junior Footballer Allegedly Sexually Abused by Coach

The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of 16-year-old Ransford Owusu, a junior footballer of Siano Soccer Academy in Accra, who was allegedly sexually abused by his coach.

In a statement issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director-General of Public Affairs, the Police said the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters is leading the investigation.

According to preliminary findings, the mother of the deceased, Ama Asantewaa, reported to the Amasaman Police that her son had fallen ill and died on 28th February 2025. She further alleged that before his death, Ransford had confided in her that his coach, Anyass Ibrahim, had sexually abused him.

The case was subsequently taken over by the CID Headquarters’ Homicide Unit for further investigation. On 4th November 2025, suspect Anyass Ibrahim was arrested to assist with the ongoing investigation. He has since been interrogated, provided a statement, and granted bail on condition that he reports regularly to the CID Headquarters.

A review of medical reports submitted by the deceased’s mother from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Children’s Hospital) in Kumasi suggests that the deceased was treated for liver and kidney-related conditions prior to his death.

The Police have secured a court order to obtain official medical reports from the two hospitals, after previous formal requests were declined, in order to confirm the details surrounding the boy’s illness and death.

Meanwhile, the Police have also extended their investigations following the emergence of a viral video allegedly showing suspect Ibrahim in a compromising situation with a minor.

The Police have urged members of the public with any credible information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Homicide Unit at the CID Headquarters or the nearest Police Station.