In response to the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ghanaian kid Javits Frimpong in New York, President John Mahama has called on the United States to tackle the escalating issue of gun violence.
President Mahama said the incident was extremely heartbreaking since the youngster was still young and had only been in the United States for a little period of time, speaking after his return to Ghana during an engagement with the Presidential Press Corps.
According to accounts, Javits had immigrated to New York from Ghana less than a year prior to his death to live with his father.
“We don’t know precisely what caused it at this moment. Some people think it’s because of bullying. But the NYPD is looking into it” the President added.
He stated that the incident emphasizes the more general problem of gun violence in American society, where there have been growing worries about shootings in schools and businesses.
President Mahama also said that the United States has to deal with the problem of guns and gun violence in its community.
“One of the problems that America must face is the prevalence of gun violence in the culture,” he remarked.
The President mentioned the recent finding of the body of another 24-year-old Ghanaian at a dumpsite as evidence of his worry about other violent deaths involving Ghanaians in the United States.
Gun violence and violent crime are greater social issues that need American authorities’ attention, thus he remarked that the incidents were not necessarily confined to Ghanaian citizens.
While walking to school in the Bronx, New York, Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong was tragically shot and killed on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The teen was allegedly shot in the stomach in the Claremont neighborhood close to East 171st Street and Crotona Place.
Responding law enforcement officers hurried him to St. Barnabas Hospital, but he later succumbed to his wounds.
Javits went to the Dream Yard Preparatory School in the Bronx. He was described by his father, Thomas Frimpong, as a calm, bright boy who aspired to become a doctor.
According to his father, who spoke to the US media, Javits stated that his classmates at school had been bullying him. Before the incident, two students were reportedly suspended due to a problem with his child, he stated.
The circumstances surrounding the assault have been the subject of an investigation by the New York Police Department.
His family, the Bronx residents, and the Ghanaian community are all saddened by the teen’s death.
President Mahama praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their involvement in the wake of the tragedy, particularly for making it easier for Javits’ mother to travel from Ghana to the United States to grieve her son.
Additionally, he thanked James Gyakye Quayson, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, for helping the family in his absence.
The President stated that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in New York has also paid a condolence visit to the grieving family.
During this difficult time, the Foreign Affairs Minister has directed the mission to provide all assistance possible to the family, he added.
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