Ghana demand justice over second citizen killed in New York within a week

24-year-old Ghanaian Joseph Owusu also killed in New York

The Ghanaian government has pledged to work with United States authorities to secure justice following the death of 24-year-old Joseph Owusu in New York, marking the second reported killing of a Ghanaian in the city within a week.

A delegation from Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York visited the bereaved family on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to convey the government’s condolences and offer support.

The delegation, acting on the instructions of Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Samuel Yao Kumah, was led by Deputy Permanent Representative Ben Dotsei Malor and Consul-General Anthony El-Adas.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also joined the engagement by telephone, expressing sympathy and solidarity with the family on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

In a statement following the visit, the Mission disclosed that Mr Ablakwa was “shocked and saddened by this tragic news”, particularly as it came shortly after the death of 15-year-old Ghanaian Javits Frimpong in the Bronx.

The minister assured the family that the government would engage the relevant US authorities and agencies to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death are thoroughly addressed and justice is served.

“The Government of Ghana stands firmly with them and will work with the relevant authorities and agencies of the United States Government to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

Joseph worked as a caregiver, providing assistance to persons with disabilities, and was also a chorister at his local Methodist church.

His family described him as a cherished son and brother whose death had left them and the wider community heartbroken.

His brother, Kwadwo, has called for a comprehensive and transparent police investigation, stressing that anyone found responsible for his death must be held accountable.

The Permanent Mission said the New York Police Department had informed the family that an autopsy was being conducted as investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Second Ghanaian killed within days
Joseph’s death follows the killing of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, making the two incidents involving Ghanaian nationals in New York within a week.

The developments have heightened concerns among Ghanaian families and communities in the United States over the safety of their relatives and loved ones.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured the affected families of its support and reiterated the government's commitment to working with US authorities to pursue justice in both cases.