The Government of Ghana has committed to covering the full cost of travel for Doris Adu Gyamfi, mother of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, so she can attend her son's funeral in New York after he was fatally shot in the Bronx on Thursday, 29 October 2026. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the government's decision on Saturday, 31 October 2026. He confirmed he had spoken with Madam Gyamfi the previous day and deployed officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to guide her through the visa application process.
Minister Ablakwa stated that the Mahama Administration will take care of the full cost of Madam Adu Gyamfi's travels and also stands ready to contribute towards a dignifying funeral. This move is to ensure that Javits Frimpong's mother can pay her respects to her son in person. The Ghanaian government's decision comes as a relief to the grieving family, who have been dealing with the shock of Javits' tragic death.
The announcement followed a critical diplomatic intervention by New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, who contacted US President Donald Trump directly to secure a visa for the bereaved mother. Mayor Mamdani confirmed on X that the president agreed to grant her a visa immediately after their phone call. This intervention was crucial in facilitating Madam Gyamfi's travel to New York for the funeral.
Javits Frimpong had relocated from Ghana to the United States approximately one year before his death to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong, in New York. He was shot while walking to school in the Bronx on 29 October 2026 and died from his injuries. His death prompted grief across both Ghana and the United States, with many calling for justice for his family.
According to Javits Frimpong's father, two classmates had been bullying the teenager and were suspended from school after the matter was escalated to school authorities. However, police have not publicly established any link between the alleged bullying and the shooting, and no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. The investigation into Javits' death is ongoing.
Minister Ablakwa assured the family that the government would remain engaged with the relevant US authorities and work towards ensuring those responsible for Javits' death face justice. The Ghanaian government is committed to supporting the family during this difficult time. This commitment includes providing emotional support and ensuring that Javits receives a dignified funeral.
Javits Frimpong's death has prompted an outpouring of grief among Ghanaians at home and abroad. Many have expressed their condolences to the family and called for justice. The Ghanaian government's decision to cover the travel expenses of Javits' mother is seen as a gesture of support and solidarity with the grieving family.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government will cover the full travel costs for Javits Frimpong's mother to attend his funeral in New York.
- US President Donald Trump granted a visa to Javits Frimpong's mother following a request from New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.
- The investigation into Javits Frimpong's death is ongoing, with the Ghanaian government committed to ensuring that those responsible face justice.
