The Government of Ghana has called on authorities in the United States to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong, who was shot dead in the Bronx, New York, while on his way to school.
The government has also assured the bereaved family of its full support in their pursuit of justice, pledging to work with US authorities to ensure that those responsible for the teenager’s death are brought to account.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed government’s deepest condolences to the family and assured the victim’s father, Thomas Frimpong, of Ghana’s commitment to supporting the family during this difficult period.
The Minister disclosed that he had personally contacted the bereaved father to console him and convey the government’s sympathy.
“We will pursue justice, and we will make sure that those who did this do not get away with it. We are all saddened. We are all distraught. He did not deserve this,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
Ghanaian Diplomatic Mission Visits Bereaved Family
As part of the government’s response, officials from Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York visited Thomas Frimpong at his residence in the Bronx on Friday morning.
The visit was intended to express solidarity with the family, offer condolences and assure them of Ghana’s support as investigations into the killing continue.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further indicated that it would work closely with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in New York and relevant American authorities to pursue justice for the deceased teenager.
The government also assured the family of appropriate legal and consular assistance throughout the process.
It reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and well-being of its citizens, regardless of where they reside.
What Happened to Javits Frimpong?
Javits Frimpong was shot in the abdomen shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while walking near his school in the Claremont section of the Bronx.
According to reports, the teenager was shot once near East 171st Street and Crotona Place. He was subsequently rushed to a hospital by emergency responders but later died from his injuries.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is reportedly searching for three teenage boys, believed to be between 16 and 18 years old, who were last seen wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks.
Police have not established the circumstances leading to the shooting, and investigations are ongoing.
Father Raises Concerns Over Alleged Bullying
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the victim’s father, Thomas Frimpong, disclosed that his son had allegedly experienced bullying at school before his death.
According to the father, two boys had previously been involved in a confrontation with Javits and were subsequently suspended from school.
He further recounted that his son had confided in him about repeated bullying incidents, particularly during lunchtime, and had reportedly complained about the situation several times.
The father said the school’s principal had contacted him about an earlier incident involving his son.
However, the alleged connection between the bullying incidents and the fatal shooting has not been established by investigators. The school’s response to the allegations was not immediately available in the initial report.
Javits had reportedly moved from Ghana to the United States approximately one year ago to join his father.
His mother, Doris Adu Gyamfi, remains in Kumasi, Ghana.
The government has reiterated that it will remain engaged with the relevant American authorities as the investigation progresses.
The killing has raised renewed concerns about the safety of young people and the devastating consequences of gun violence, as the family awaits answers and justice for the 15-year-old Ghanaian.
