Ransford Owusu Ansah, a 16-year-old aspiring footballer from Asamankese in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, dreamed of becoming a professional soccer star.
His talent had already caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join the Siano Soccer Academy three years ago. Tragically, those dreams were shattered by alleged repeated sexual abuse at the hands of his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, which ultimately led to Ransford’s death on March 10, 2025, after months of hospitalization for complications including a severe kidney infection.
Ransford was reportedly sodomized by Coach Anyass at the academy in Amasaman, Greater Accra Region. The assaults occurred over an extended period, with Ransford confiding in his mother, Ama Bentsiwaa, about the trauma. She noticed his deteriorating health during visits and grew suspicious when the coach downplayed his illness and restricted communication.
Admitted to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ransford battled for weeks before slipping into a coma and passing away. His mother attributes his death directly to the abuse, stating it caused irreversible health damage.
The academy suspended Coach Anyass pending investigation following media exposure on Oyerepa FM. Police took up the case, but progress stalled, allowing the coach to evade capture.
The Mother’s PleaIn a heartbreaking video plea shared widely on social media, Ama Bentsiwaa held a poster of her son and offered a GHC 5,000 (about $320 USD) bounty for information leading to Anyass’s arrest. “Ghanaian leaders, I brought the coach to you for justice, but nothing has come out of it, and now my son is dead,” she said. “Ghanaians, please, the coach is wanted.
Anybody who finds him should bring him to me.”Public Outcry and Ongoing DemandsThe story initially sparked outrage in March 2025 but has resurfaced powerfully in early November 2025, trending under #JusticeForRansford on X (formerly Twitter). Ghanaians and global sympathizers are amplifying calls for accountability, highlighting systemic failures in protecting young athletes from abuse in sports academies. Key developments include:
A Change.org petition titled “Demand Justice for Ransford Owusu Ansah” urges Ghanaian authorities, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoGCSP), to expedite the investigation, prosecute Anyass, and implement stricter safeguards for minors in sports. It has garnered thousands of signatures, with users sharing it alongside hashtags like #BoysLivesMatter.
Posts from influencers and everyday users, including videos of the mother’s plea, have amassed millions of views. One viral thread details Ransford’s story, emphasizing how the coach—meant to nurture talent—betrayed trust. Activists like @BritzGBL have tagged government bodies, demanding action to prevent further victimization.
Reports suggest Anyass may still access academy grounds, raising fears for other students’ safety. This case underscores vulnerabilities in Ghana’s grassroots football ecosystem, where unregulated academies often prioritize talent over welfare.
As of November 7, 2025, no arrests have been reported, and the investigation appears stalled. Ransford’s story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice, child protection reforms, and cultural shifts to address sexual abuse in sports—especially for boys, whose cases are often underreported.
