Ransford was allegedly abused by his coach
Sixteen-year-old Ransford Owusu Ansah dreamt of becoming a professional footballer. But what began as a pursuit of talent and opportunity at the Siano Football Academy in Amasaman turned into a tragedy after years of alleged sexual abuse by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass.
According to reports, Anyass allegedly used his authority as head coach to manipulate and exploit the teenager.
Ransford’s mother, according to reports, noticed that her son was growing weak, withdrawn, and fearful, changes she later realised were the effects of sustained trauma from alleged molestation by his coach.
In early 2025, Ransford’s health deteriorated sharply. He eventually confided in his mother, revealing that his coach had been abusing him.
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He was rushed to the hospital and later admitted at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he slipped into a coma. After weeks of treatment, he died in March 2025.
Despite the severity of the allegations, no arrest was made for months. Reports suggest that Coach Anyass continued to train children at the academy even after the teenager’s death, a revelation that has sparked widespread outrage.
As such, Ghanaians have launched an online petition which has since gathered more than 1,400 signatures, demanding for the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.
The campaign, supported by the hashtag #JusticeForRansford, has gained strong traction on social media, with users calling for urgent reforms and justice for the young footballer.
According to veteran sports journalist Saddick Adams, Anyass is expected to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday, November 11, 2025, over the allegations.
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