Gov’t to fund travel costs for mother of slain teenager to attend son’s funeral in New York

The Government of Ghana has pledged to cover all travel expenses for Madam Doris Adu Gyamfi, the mother of slain 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong, to enable her to attend her son's funeral in New York. This decision was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on October 31, 2026, following intervention by New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and U.S. President Donald Trump, who secured a visa for the grieving mother.

Minister Ablakwa expressed gratitude to Mayor Mamdani and President Trump, stating that Ghana appreciates their efforts. The Mahama administration has also committed to assisting with a dignified funeral for Javits. Javits was shot dead in the Bronx on October 29, 2026, while on his way to school. His father suspects the incident may be connected to bullying his son faced at school, though police have not identified a motive.

The government's support comes after Mayor Mamdani informed President Trump, who agreed to expedite a visa for Madam Gyamfi. The case has garnered attention in both Ghana and the United States, with calls for a comprehensive investigation and justice for the teenager. Madam Gyamfi is anticipated to travel to New York in the coming days, and investigations into the shooting are ongoing with no arrests made thus far.