By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Public outrage continues to mount following revelations surrounding the death of 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu, of Siano Soccer Academy, as the Ghana Police Service confirms that the academy’s coach, Anyass Ibrahim, has been granted bail after his arrest to assist in investigations.
According to a police statement signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is leading the probe into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death, which was reported earlier this year.
The deceased’s mother, Ama Asantewaa, told the Amasaman Police that her son had fallen ill and later died on 28th February 2025. Before his passing, he reportedly confided in her that his coach, Anyass Ibrahim, had sexually abused him while he was a junior player at the academy.
Following her complaint, the case was transferred to the Homicide Unit. Police say Ibrahim was arrested on 4th November 2025 for questioning. His statement was taken, and he was subsequently granted bail with instructions to report periodically to the CID Headquarters to assist with ongoing investigations.
Medical documents provided by the deceased’s mother from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Kumasi suggest that Ransford had been treated for liver and kidney-related ailments prior to his death. However, investigators have secured a court order to compel both hospitals to officially release their full reports, after earlier requests were declined.
Meanwhile, the case has sparked a wave of online activism after a viral TikTok video allegedly showing the suspect in a compromising situation with a minor surfaced. The video ignited nationwide outrage and led to the trending hashtag #JusticeForRansford, with thousands of social media users calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.
Many Ghanaians influencers have used the platform to demand stronger protection for student-athletes and stricter measures against sexual abuse.
The Police, acknowledging the public’s growing concern, say they have extended their investigation following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing suspect Ibrahim in a compromising situation with another minor. The statement noted that the matter has raised additional concerns that are now being reviewed by the Homicide Unit.
The Police are appealing to the public to provide any credible information that could assist in the ongoing investigations by contacting the Homicide Unit at the CID Headquarters or the nearest police station.
