Government to pursue justice for 15-year-old Ghanaian killed in New York
The government says it would pursue justice for Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager who was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in the Bronx, New York, while on his way to school.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued in Accra on Friday, said the government would work with United States authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killing were brought to justice.
The statement said the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had spoken directly with the deceased’s father, Mr Thomas Frimpong, to express the government’s condolences and assure the family of its support in their pursuit of justice.
“We will pursue justice, and we’ll make sure that those who did this do not get away with it,” the Minister said.
On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Ablakwa also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as a painful loss.
“We are all saddened. We are all distraught. He did not deserve this,” the Minister said.
Officials from Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York also visited the family at their home to express their condolences and convey the government’s solidarity and support.
The Ministry called on the relevant authorities in the Bronx to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
It said the Ministry and Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York would actively engage United States authorities in the pursuit of justice and provide appropriate legal and consular assistance to the family.
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity and well-being of Ghanaians abroad, regardless of where they live or the circumstances they face.
The Ministry extended its thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family, friends and loved ones in the United States and Ghana, particularly the teenager’s mother, Mrs Doris Adu Gyamfi, in Kumasi.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
