Afua Asantewaa demands justice for Ghanaian teenager shot dead in New York

Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum has called for justice for Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian student who was fatally shot in the Bronx, New York. The singathon personality expressed her condolences to the teenager’s family and urged authorities to find those responsible. In a social media post, she described herself as devastated by the killing and said the perpetrators must face justice.

“I am grieving for the departed young fellow because I am a mother; this can happen to anyone,” she wrote. Asantewaa said the teenager’s death had deeply affected her, prompting her to share tribute videos in his memory. “I see great potential in the lost soul; he would have risen to become a great personality,” she said. “We have lost a gem.” Javits was shot on October 29, 2026, near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont neighbourhood of the Bronx.

He had moved from Ghana to the United States about a year earlier to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong. He was a 10th-grade student at DreamYard Preparatory School. Described as quiet and dedicated to his studies, Javits aspired to become a doctor. He was reportedly walking to school when three individuals wearing hoodies and surgical masks pursued him.

He attempted to flee before he was shot. He was taken to St Barnabas Hospital, where he later died. His father has raised concerns about bullying the teenager allegedly experienced before his death. However, a connection between those allegations and the shooting has not been established. Asantewaa’s appeal adds to calls for answers over the killing and support for the bereaved family.