Ghana vows to pursue justice for 15-year-old boy shot dead in New York

The Government of Ghana has pledged to pursue justice for 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot in the Bronx, New York, on Thursday, October 29.

Javits was reportedly shot by unidentified assailants at about 9:20 a.m. while on his way to school.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the killing and assured the bereaved family of the government's commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

According to the Ministry, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa personally contacted the victim's father, Thomas Frimpong, on Friday morning to express condolences and assure him of the government's support.

“We will pursue justice, and we will make sure that those who did this do not get away with it,” the Minister assured the grieving father.

Mr Ablakwa, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, also extended heartfelt condolences to the family, describing the teenager's death as devastating.

“We are all saddened. We are all distraught. He did not deserve this,” he stated.

The Ministry disclosed that officials from Ghana's Permanent Mission in New York had visited Mr Frimpong at his residence to commiserate with the family and convey the government's solidarity.

It further called on authorities in the Bronx to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure that the perpetrators face justice.

The Ministry emphasised that Ghana's diplomatic mission in New York would work closely with US authorities to pursue justice while providing the necessary legal and consular assistance to the family.

It reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of Ghanaians living abroad.

“Ghana remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity and well-being of our citizens everywhere, any time, and in all circumstances,” the statement said.

The government also extended its sympathies to the teenager's relatives and loved ones in Ghana and the United States, particularly his mother, Doris Adu Gyamfi, who resides in Kumasi.

Meanwhile, investigations into the shooting are ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible.