Government funds New York travel for mother of slain Javits Frimpong

The Government of Ghana has announced it will fully cover all travel expenses for Madam Doris Adu Gyamfi, the mother of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, who was recently shot dead in the United States. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed the decision on October 31, 2026, stating that the state's financial support will enable the grieving mother to travel to New York to attend her son's funeral and pay her final respects.

This government intervention follows significant diplomatic engagement involving New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and US President Donald Trump. Mayor Mamdani facilitated a telephone conversation with President Trump, who subsequently ordered the immediate issuance of a visa for Madam Gyamfi. This high-level assistance ensured that the necessary travel documentation was secured without delay, allowing the family to focus on funeral arrangements while the investigation into the shooting continues.

Minister Ablakwa expressed his gratitude for the swift response from the US authorities, highlighting the timely assistance provided by both the New York City Mayor's office and the White House. He emphasized that the Ghanaian government remains committed to supporting the family through this difficult period. The funding provided by the state is intended to remove any financial barriers to Madam Gyamfi’s travel, ensuring she can be present for the burial of her teenage son.

Javits Frimpong, a young Ghanaian living in New York, was the victim of a fatal shooting that has drawn attention from both the Ghanaian community abroad and officials at home. While US law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, the Government of Ghana has pledged to monitor the case closely. The state's support for Madam Gyamfi reflects a broader commitment to assisting Ghanaian citizens facing tragedies in the diaspora.