Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has disclosed that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has processed the alleged sexual abuse case involving a 16-year-old footballer for court.

Providing an update on the case on April 1, 2026, in a JoyNews interview, the minister indicated that recent developments suggest some progress in investigations, including the emergence of video evidence and testimonies from individuals.

Alleged sodomy victim was undergoing liver and kidney treatment – Police

She explained that these developments have strengthened calls for a thorough probe into the matter.

“With that one [the sodomy case], there was a breakthrough where there were suggestive videos and other people coming out to attest to it that there have been scenes like that and they believe that it should be properly investigated,” she said.

Dr Lartey further disclosed that the police have moved the case forward for prosecution and assured that the public will be updated as proceedings advance.

She noted that her Ministry will continue to collaborate with the police on the case.

“So, the CID has actually processed them for court and so I'm sure when there's a breakthrough, we'll liaise with them and then we'll let the media and the general public know,” she stated.

The minister stressed the government's commitment to ensuring justice is served, adding that prosecution will be pursued if criminal wrongdoing is established, while also underscoring the importance of accountability in the matter.

“[We are pushing for a] full prosecution. Once the law finds out that there's been evidence of criminality to implicate them, definitely justice must be served,” she added.

Background

The case involves a 16-year-old footballer who allegedly died after being sodomised (sexually assaulted) by his coach, Anyass Ibrahim of the Siano Soccer Academy.

According to an earlier update by the Ghana Police Service in November 2025, a medical report submitted by the deceased’s mother indicated that the teenager had been receiving treatment for liver and kidney-related conditions at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Children's Hospital) in Kumasi.

The police explained that efforts were ongoing to independently verify the medical reports from the two facilities, noting that a court order had been secured after initial requests for the documents were declined.

Investigators also confirmed that the coach had been arrested following the allegations of sexual abuse but was later granted bail and is expected to report to the CID Headquarters as investigations continue.

16-year-old footballer battles for his life after being sodomized by his coach

The police further indicated that they are examining a viral video allegedly showing the victim and the suspect in a compromising situation, while appealing to the public to provide credible information to assist the investigation.

Alleged sodomy of teenage footballer: The Gender Minister disclosed that the police have gone through their investigations and gathered additional leads and evidence against the suspect.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/Lss12RH0id

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) April 1, 2026