New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Saturday that President Trump had agreed to facilitate the issuance of a visa to Doris Gyamfi, the mother of Javits Frimpong, who was shot dead in the Bronx. The teenager's killing has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for justice. Mamdani expressed his condolences, saying the murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure.
Javits Frimpong, 15, was shot in the abdomen while walking to school in a Bronx neighborhood. He was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police are searching for three teenage suspects in connection with the killing. Frimpong had relocated from Ghana to the US in October 2025 to join his father, Thomas Frimpong, with hopes of continuing his education and pursuing a better future.
Thomas Frimpong described his son as an intelligent boy who aspired to become a medical doctor. He also disclosed that Javits had complained about persistent bullying at DreamYard Preparatory School, and two students were suspended over the complaints. However, police have not established any link between the alleged bullying and the teenager's killing.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reached out to the bereaved father, offering condolences on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and assuring the family of the government's support. Ablakwa said the government would pursue justice and ensure those responsible do not get away with it.
The Ghanaian government has pledged to cover the cost of Doris Gyamfi's journey, assist with the visa process, and contribute towards funeral expenses. Ablakwa welcomed Trump's intervention, acknowledging the cooperation between the authorities in Ghana and the US. The government has called for a comprehensive investigation and pledged legal and consular assistance.
Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres and the New York City Department of Education expressed condolences over the teenager's death. Torres said the entire borough is mourning a young man who should have had his whole future ahead of him. The Department of Education pledged to cooperate with investigators and expressed sympathy for the family and school community.
While the White House had yet to independently confirm the arrangement, it is unclear whether the visa had been issued. The development has brought some solace to the family and the Ghanaian community, who are still reeling from the shock of Frimpong's killing. The incident has also sparked a renewed call for improved safety measures in schools.
Key points
- US President Donald Trump has agreed to facilitate a US visa for Doris Gyamfi, the mother of the Ghanaian teenager killed in New York.
- The Ghanaian government has pledged to cover the cost of Doris Gyamfi's journey and contribute towards funeral expenses.
- The incident has sparked a renewed call for improved safety measures in schools and justice for the victim's family.
