Ghanaian Leaders In Toronto Urged To Wake Up Before It Is Too Late!!!

Suspect: Joseph Kunene

A painful wave of grief is sweeping through sections of the Ghanaian community in Canada and United States of America [U.S.A.] following a series of deadly shootings involving young people, prompting an emotional appeal to parents, chiefs and community leaders to take the safety, upbringing and future of their children seriously.

The latest appeal comes amid growing concerns over gun violence in Toronto and surrounding communities, following the deaths of young individuals in separate incidents, including the reported killing of Javits Frimpong in New York, the shooting death of 18-year-old Malik Abass in Toronto, and now another devastating homicide in Etobicoke.

The latest tragedy has left another family mourning after Toronto Police confirmed the death of 18-year-old Brandon Blake of Barrie, who was fatally shot near Martin Grove Road and Finch Avenue West.

According to a Toronto Police Service news release published on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, officers responded to reports of gunshots at approximately 12:56 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Upon arrival, officers found a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said two suspects fled before officers arrived.

Investigators have identified 19-year-old Joseph Kunene of Toronto as a suspect wanted for first-degree murder. Police have also released his photograph and described him as armed and dangerous. A second suspect, described as a white male wearing black clothing, a hood and a face mask, remains unidentified.

The killing marks Toronto's 34th homicide of 2026, according to the police release.

Against this disturbing background, a resident Kwei Armah has issued a passionate appeal to Ghanaian parents, traditional authorities and community leaders in Toronto, urging them to move beyond occasional community gatherings and pay closer attention to the welfare of young people.

"Dear parents and leaders of our Ghanaian community, please wake up and take your children's and siblings' security seriously as the devil is at work!" he appealed.

He stressed the importance of meaningful conversations between parents and their children, arguing that raising responsible and protected young people requires more than providing food, clothing and education.

He urged parents to become more involved in their children's daily lives, understand their friendships, recognise their challenges and create an environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their fears, experiences and personal struggles.

"Please engage your children in more conversations as to how you can raise them well, train them well and educate them well by paying more attention to their needs than attending funerals, parties and barbecues," he said.

His comments raise an uncomfortable but necessary question about the responsibility of families and community institutions in protecting young people growing up in an increasingly complex society.

For many Ghanaian families who migrated to Canada in search of better opportunities, the dream has always been to give their children access to quality education, security, career opportunities and a brighter future.

But when young lives are cut short by gun violence, those dreams are replaced by grief, unanswered questions and the painful reality that opportunity means little when lives are lost too soon.

Kwei Armah believes the time for collective action is now.

"Let our future leaders live. Brood over them, let them go to school and take advantage of the wonderful career opportunities that abound in this country," he said emotionally.

His appeal also places responsibility on traditional leaders, religious institutions, community associations and other influential figures to make youth safety a continuing priority rather than an issue discussed only after tragedy strikes.

While the circumstances surrounding the separate shootings remain matters for the relevant police investigations, the deaths have renewed calls for stronger family engagement, community mentorship, violence prevention and support systems for young people.

The challenge, however, is not simply to organise another funeral, issue another statement of condolence or gather at another community event.

It is to build relationships with the young people while they are still alive, listen to their concerns, guide their decisions and help them navigate the pressures and dangers around them.

Ghanaian communities across Canada have worked hard to preserve their cultural identity, support families and create opportunities for the next generation. That commitment must now extend even more strongly to protecting young lives.

Because behind every headline is a family whose world has changed forever. Behind every shooting is a community forced to confront another painful loss. And behind every young person is a future that deserves a chance.

The message is urgent, “Parents must wake up, leaders must step forward, and communities must act before another family receives the devastating news that their child will never come home.”