Mother of Ghanaian Teen Killed in US Demands Justice as She Travels for Funeral

The mother of a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy who was fatally shot in New York has travelled from Ghana to the United States to attend her son’s funeral and demand justice for his death.

Doris Adu Gyamfi departed Ghana on Wednesday, November 4, after receiving an emergency visa facilitated through the intervention of US President Donald Trump. Her son, Javits Frimpong, was killed in the Bronx, New York, on October 29 while reportedly walking to school.

Speaking before her departure, Gyamfi expressed her determination to see those responsible for her son’s death held accountable.

“I want justice for my son,” she told the BBC.

She explained that her immediate priority was to travel to America to make arrangements for her son’s funeral and join relatives who have been mourning his death.

“I’m going to America to plan my son’s funeral,” she said.

Teenager’s Dreams Cut Short

Javits Frimpong was a 15-year-old Ghanaian student whose death has shocked communities in Ghana and the United States.

According to reports, he was walking to DreamYard Preparatory School in the Bronx on the morning of October 29 when he was attacked and fatally shot.

Police said the shooting occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. near East 171st Street and Third Avenue in the Claremont neighbourhood.

The teenager was reportedly chased by three individuals wearing hooded clothing and surgical masks. He was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His mother said Javits had dreamed of becoming a medical doctor. His death has therefore left his family devastated, with relatives mourning the loss of a young boy whose future held significant promise.

Emergency Visa Granted

Gyamfi’s journey to the United States followed an appeal by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to President Donald Trump.

Mamdani announced on social media that Trump had agreed to grant the grieving mother a visa so she could travel to New York and say goodbye to her son in person.

The mayor described the killing as a tragedy no parent should have to endure, particularly when separated from their child by thousands of miles.

The intervention enabled Gyamfi to leave Ghana and join her family in the United States during the difficult period.

Officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relatives and other supporters accompanied her to the airport. Ghana’s diplomatic mission in New York is expected to provide assistance during her stay and support the family with funeral arrangements.

Police Investigation Continues

Authorities in New York are continuing investigations into the teenager’s killing. As of Wednesday, November 4, police had not announced any arrests.

Investigators are searching for three teenage suspects believed to have been involved in the shooting. Surveillance footage reportedly captured individuals fleeing the scene after the incident.

Police have been examining several possible motives, including robbery, mistaken identity and possible bullying. However, investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive.

Javits’s father, Thomas Frimpong, previously said that his son had experienced bullying at school and that two boys had reportedly been suspended following an earlier confrontation. Police have not confirmed whether the alleged bullying was connected to the fatal shooting.

Ghana Calls for Justice

The Ghanaian government has condemned the killing and called on US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

Officials have pledged to provide the family with necessary legal and consular support while working with authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The tragedy has sparked renewed concern about gun violence and the safety of young people in the United States.

For Gyamfi and her family, however, the immediate priority remains mourning Javits and giving him a dignified burial.

As she begins the painful journey of saying goodbye to her son, her message remains clear: she wants justice for Javits Frimpong.