News
Sexual Abuse of 16-Year-Old Boy: Gender Ministry provides update on
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has taken a keen interest in the reported case of alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu Ansah, by his coach, Ibrahim Anyass, at the Siano Soccer Academy in Amasaman, as reported by media outlets.
Upon learning of the incident,the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Gender immediately initiated follow-up investigations to ascertain the facts and engage relevant stakeholders, including the victim’s family.
Findings
Preliminary reports indicate that the victim, Ransford Owusu Ansah, had been under the care of the coach for the past three years, unknown to his mother, he had allegedly been subjected to sexual abuse during that period.
Per the records, the victim had been receiving medical care since December 2024 and was later admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for medical treatment but unfortunately passed on.
The management of Siano Soccer Academy has suspended the coach and pledged fiull cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served.
The Ministry empathised deeply with the bereaved family and emphasised that crime has no expiration and therefore remains committed to pursuing justice for the victim and his family.
Minister’s action and ongoing efforts
When she assumed office in February 2025, engaged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on the matter to ensure accountability and stronger child protection mechanisms within the football sector.
Following this engagement, the Siano Soccer Academy, in addition to suspending the coach, temporarily closed the facility pending investigations.
Thereafter, the Ministry, through its Orange Support Center (OSC) of the Domestic Violence Secretariat,conducted investigations with the Amasaman DOVVSU and later referred the matter to the Greater Accra Regional DOVVSU.
The docket has subsequently been transferred to the Homicide Unit of the CID Headquarters by the Amasaman DOVVSU for further investigations.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has indicated that it remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and rights of every child in Ghana.
Through their decentralised structures including the Departments of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and the Orange Support Centre, the Ministry continues to collaborate with key partners and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice and protection for all children.
They urged the public to remain vigilant and report all suspected cases of child abuse and violence through the Domestic Violence call centre on 0800-111-222 or at the nearest Social Welfare or DOVVSU office.
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
