Amb Victor Smith calls for justice over death of Ghanaian teenager in New York

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Mr Victor Emmanuel Smith, has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager, Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, following reports that he experienced racial bullying at school.

In a message of condolence to the bereaved family dated October 30, 2026, Amb Smith said the reported experiences of racial bullying made it imperative for all circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death to be carefully examined.

“The circumstances surrounding Javits’s death are deeply disturbing. In light of the reported experiences of racial bullying he endured at school, it is imperative that all relevant circumstances be examined carefully and impartially,” he stated.

He urged the relevant law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts, identify those responsible, if any, and ensure that justice was served.

The Ambassador also called for the protection of children against bullying, racial discrimination and violence, stressing that every child, regardless of race, nationality or background, deserved to live, learn and pursue their dreams in safety and dignity.

Amb Smith disclosed that Javits had moved to the United States barely a year ago, brought there by his father, Mr Thomas Frimpong, in the hope of securing a good education and a brighter future.

He described the teenager’s death as particularly heartbreaking, given the hopes and aspirations his family had for him, and said the loss of a young life filled with promise, potential and dreams for the future was a tragedy that touched everyone.

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, the Ambassador extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them during their period of grief.

He said, as a father himself, he could only begin to imagine the anguish and pain the family was experiencing, adding that no parent should have to endure the loss of a child under such tragic and violent circumstances.

Amb Smith further assured the family that the Embassy of Ghana shared in their grief and that the thoughts and prayers of the President and the people of Ghana were with them.

He expressed hope that the family would find comfort in the support and solidarity extended to them by the Ghanaian diplomatic community in the United States.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD