John Dramani Mahama urges US to address gun violence after Javits Frimpong death

President John Dramani Mahama has called on the United States government to take urgent action against rising gun violence following the shooting death of a 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager in New York. Speaking during a press session on November 5, the President expressed his profound sorrow over the killing of Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot while on his way to school in the Bronx. Mahama noted that the tragic incident highlights the dangers posed by the easy accessibility of firearms and emphasized that the impact of such violence is felt deeply by the Ghanaian diaspora.

Javits Frimpong, who had recently relocated to the United States, was heading to school when the attack occurred. He was later pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Hospital. While investigations into the motive are ongoing, the teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, has raised concerns regarding bullying at his son’s school. He revealed that several students involved in bullying Javits had been suspended shortly before the shooting. President Mahama acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation but stressed that the young age of the victim makes the loss particularly devastating.

Critiquing the American gun culture, President Mahama pointed to the constitutional right to bear arms as a factor that facilitates the widespread availability of lethal weapons. He also linked the prevalence of violence to a growing mental health crisis fueled by the stresses of modern life. The President urged American authorities to confront these issues effectively, stating that gun violence has become a significant concern for both Ghanaians and other immigrant communities living in the U.S.

In response to the tragedy, President Mahama commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for its support of the Frimpong family. The government has been working to facilitate travel for the boy’s mother to the United States to join her family during this period of mourning. Mahama concluded by reiterating his administration's commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, ensuring that the state provides necessary consular assistance in times of crisis.