US President Donald Trump has agreed to facilitate a visa for the mother of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot in New York, as Ghana intensifies calls for justice.
US President Donald Trump has agreed to facilitate a visa for the Ghanaian mother of a teenager killed in New York, following diplomatic efforts by Ghana and an appeal from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani announced the development on Saturday after speaking with Trump by telephone, as the killing of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong continued to generate grief and outrage in the Bronx.
“The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away,” the mayor said.
According to Mamdani, Trump agreed to immediately facilitate a visa for the teenager’s mother, Doris Gyamfi, who resides in Kumasi, Ghana, to enable her to travel to the United States.
However, the White House had not independently confirmed the arrangement as of Saturday evening, and it remained unclear whether the visa had been issued.
Frimpong was reportedly shot in the abdomen while walking in the Bronx. Police officers rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators are searching for three suspected teenage assailants, although no arrests had been announced as of Saturday.
The teenager relocated from Ghana to New York in October 2025 to reunite with his father, Thomas Frimpong, with hopes of pursuing his education and building a better future.
His father described him as an intelligent and ambitious young boy who dreamed of becoming a physician.
“He was very clever, so he always says he wants to be a physician,” the grieving father told journalists.
Thomas Frimpong also disclosed that his son had complained about persistent bullying at DreamYard Preparatory School. Two students were reportedly suspended, but police have not established any connection between the alleged bullying and the teenager’s killing.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, contacted the bereaved father to convey condolences from President John Dramani Mahama and assure 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 said.
Ghanaian diplomats in New York have also visited the family, while the government called for a comprehensive investigation and pledged legal and consular assistance to ensure accountability.
Welcoming Trump’s intervention, Ablakwa said the Ghanaian government would cover the mother’s travel costs, assist with visa arrangements and provide support for funeral expenses.
“The Government of Ghana welcomes your intervention and President Trump’s timely decision,” the minister said, expressing appreciation for cooperation between the American and Ghanaian authorities.
Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres also expressed condolences, describing the killing as a devastating loss for the community.
“Our entire borough is mourning a young man who should have had his whole future ahead of him,” Torres said.
The New York City Department of Education expressed sympathy for the family and school community, while pledging cooperation with investigators and offering counselling services to affected students.
Meanwhile, vigils held on Saturday brought together members of the Ghanaian community, religious leaders and residents demanding justice for the slain teenager.
Police investigations into the killing remain ongoing, with authorities yet to announce any arrests or establish a motive.
