The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the death of a 16-year-old footballer, Ransford Owusu, who was allegedly sexually abused by his coach at the Siano Soccer Academy in Accra, authorities said on Saturday.

According to a police statement, preliminary findings show that Owusu’s mother, Ama Asantewaa, reported the case to the Amasaman Police in February after her son fell ill and later died on 28 February. She told investigators that her son had confided in her that his coach, identified as Anyass Ibrahim, had sexually assaulted him before his death.

The Homicide Unit has since taken over the case at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters. Police said Ibrahim was arrested on 4 November to assist with investigations, interrogated, and later granted bail while being required to report periodically to the CID.

Medical reports submitted by the boy’s mother from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Kumasi indicate that the teenager was treated for liver and kidney-related conditions before his death.

Investigators said efforts were underway to secure official medical records from both facilities, after earlier requests were declined.

“Accordingly, a court order has been secured to be served on both hospitals since earlier formal requests for the reports had been declined,” the police said in the statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director-General of Public Affairs.

The police added that they had expanded their probe after a video surfaced online showing the suspect, Ibrahim, in a compromising situation with a minor.

Authorities have urged anyone with credible information to contact the Homicide Unit at CID Headquarters or the nearest police station.

Sompaonline.com