Ghana Pledges to Pursue Justice After 15-Year-Old Javits Frimpong Is Shot Dead in New York

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada

30 OCTOBER 2026

The Government of Ghana has pledged to work with United States authorities to pursue justice following the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed on Friday, October 30, that he had personally spoken with the teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, to convey the condolences of the Government and people of Ghana.

In a statement, the minister said he had also instructed officials of Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York to visit the bereaved family and coordinate with local authorities.

“The Foreign Ministry will work tirelessly with US authorities to ensure justice is secured,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

The government’s intervention comes as the family mourns the teenager, whose death has shocked members of the Ghanaian community in New York and relatives back home.

Ghana Assures Family of Support

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials from Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York visited the family to express the country’s condolences and solidarity.

The ministry has indicated that it will work with American authorities as investigations continue, with the aim of ensuring that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

The government has also expressed its readiness to provide the family with appropriate legal and consular assistance.

Mr Ablakwa extended the government’s sympathies to Javits’ father, Thomas Frimpong, and other relatives and loved ones affected by the tragedy.

He also offered prayers for the deceased, asking God to grant his soul a peaceful repose.

What Happened to Javits Frimpong?

Javits was reportedly shot shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, while walking near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Bronx.

According to reports, the teenager was shot in the abdomen and later died at a hospital.

Javits had reportedly moved from Ghana to the United States about a year ago to join his father.

New York police are searching for three teenage suspects believed to be between 16 and 18 years old. Investigators have described the suspects as wearing dark clothing, with some reportedly wearing blue surgical masks.

Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the shooting.

Father Raises Concerns About Alleged Bullying

The teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, has also spoken about concerns his son reportedly raised before his death.

In interviews with US media, Mr Frimpong said his son had complained about being bullied by students at school and had reportedly informed him that the harassment had happened repeatedly.

He further alleged that two students had been suspended following an incident involving his son.

A school bus aide also told CBS News New York that he was aware of at least two students being suspended for bullying Javits.

However, investigators have not confirmed any connection between the reported bullying and the fatal shooting. The circumstances and motive remain under investigation.

A Matter of Concern for Ghanaians Abroad

The killing has renewed concerns among members of the Ghanaian community abroad about the safety and protection of young people, particularly children who relocate to unfamiliar environments to join family members.

For Javits’ family, the immediate concern is obtaining answers about what happened and ensuring that the investigation establishes the circumstances surrounding his death.

Ghana’s diplomatic engagement will therefore be closely watched as the family seeks justice and support during this difficult period.

The government has reiterated its commitment to the safety, dignity and well-being of Ghanaians wherever they may be.

As investigations continue in New York, the family and the Ghanaian community will be hoping that authorities establish the motive, identify those responsible and ensure accountability.

Javits Frimpong was 15 years old. His death has left a grieving family in the United States and Ghana, with many awaiting answers.