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 ECOWAS Council of Ministers has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as West Africa’s sole candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union when the rotating position gets to the region in 2027.
The endorsement was announced at the ninety-fifth ordinary session of the Council in Abuja on 12 December 2025.
The Authority of Heads of State and Government is expected to adopt the recommendation on Sunday.
In a declaration issued after the meeting, the Council noted that Ghana remains an important member of the regional bloc and continues to contribute to ECOWAS’ international standing.
It stressed the need for member states to work together to secure top positions for West Africans in continental and global organisations.
The Council explained that adopting a unified stance would help ECOWAS protect and promote its interests within the African Union.
It therefore recommended that the Heads of State fully back Ghana’s bid for the AU chairmanship.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Education Service has released all outstanding feeding grants for Special Schools across the country.
The funds cover the third term of the 2024/2025 academic year and the first term of the 2025/2026 academic year.
GES has also cleared all arrears owed Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools for perishables supplied between 29 July and 17 October 2025.
According to the Service, the money has been transferred into the accounts of all beneficiary schools.
Heads of Special Schools, SHS and SHTS have been asked to submit official receipts for the funds through their Regional Accountants to the Director General.
The Public Relations Unit in a statement noted that GES remains committed to supporting effective teaching, learning and inclusive education in the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
