NEW YORK, USA — The mother of a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy shot dead while walking to school in New York may travel to the United States for her son’s funeral after President Donald Trump agreed to facilitate her visa, following a diplomatic intervention by Ghana.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Trump’s decision on Saturday after speaking with the US president by telephone.
The intervention came as Ghana demanded justice over the killing of Javits Frimpong, whose death has sent shockwaves through the Bronx community.
“The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away,” Mamdani said.
He disclosed that Trump had agreed to facilitate an immediate visa for the teenager’s mother, Doris Gyamfi, who lives in Kumasi, Ghana.
However, the White House had not independently confirmed the arrangement as of Saturday evening, and it was unclear whether the visa had been issued.
Frimpong was reportedly shot in the abdomen while walking in a Bronx neighbourhood in the morning.
Police officers rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators subsequently began searching for three suspected teenage assailants, but no arrests had been announced as of Saturday.
The teenager had relocated from Ghana to the United States in October 2025 to reunite with his father, Thomas Frimpong, with hopes of pursuing his education and building a promising future.
His father described him as an intelligent boy who aspired to become a medical doctor.
“He was very clever, so he always says he wants to be a physician,” the grieving father told journalists.
Thomas also disclosed that his son had complained of persistent bullying at DreamYard Preparatory School.
Two students were reportedly suspended over the bullying allegations, although police have not established any connection between the reported incidents and the teenager’s killing.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, subsequently contacted the bereaved father, conveying condolences from President John Dramani Mahama and assuring the family of government support.
“We will pursue justice, and we will make sure that those who did this do not get away with it,” Ablakwa declared.
Ghanaian diplomats in New York also visited the family as the government demanded a thorough investigation and pledged legal and consular assistance to ensure accountability.
Welcoming Trump’s intervention, Ablakwa said the Ghanaian government would finance the mother’s journey to the United States, assist with visa arrangements and provide support for funeral expenses.
“The Government of Ghana welcomes your intervention and President Trump’s timely decision,” he said, acknowledging the cooperation between the American and Ghanaian authorities.
Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres also expressed grief over the teenager’s death.
“Our entire Borough is mourning a young man who should have had his whole future ahead of him,” he said.
The New York City Department of Education also expressed condolences to the family and school community, pledging cooperation with investigators.
“Our hearts are with this young person’s family and school community during this unimaginably difficult time,” the department said.
Meanwhile, vigils were held on Saturday, bringing together members of the Ghanaian community, religious leaders and neighbours who demanded justice for the teenager.
Police investigations into the killing were continuing, with authorities yet to announce arrests or establish a motive.
