Home - From Javits to Joseph: Two Ghanaian families face tragedy in New York

The family of a 24-year-old Ghanaian man, Joseph Owusu, is demanding justice following his death under unexplained circumstances in New York, making him the second Ghanaian reported killed in the US city within a week.

Owusu's death comes days after the reported killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian Javits, also in the Bronx, prompting renewed concern over the safety of Ghanaians living in New York.

According to a statement issued by Ghana's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on November 4, 2026, the Mission's officials visited Owusu's family to express the government's condolences and assure them of its support.

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

During the visit, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also spoke to the family by telephone, conveying the condolences of President John Dramani Mahama and the government.

The minister said he was deeply saddened by Owusu's death, particularly because it followed the killing of the 15-year-old Javits in the same city.

"I have been shocked and saddened by this tragic news, especially coming on the heels of the horrible news of the killing of 15-year-old Javits, also in the Bronx, New York," Mr Ablakwa said.

He assured the family that the government would stand by them and work with the relevant United States authorities to ensure that justice was served.

Owusu worked as a caregiver, supporting persons living with disabilities. He was also a chorister at his local Methodist church and is remembered by his family as a beloved son and brother.

His death has left his family and community devastated, with his brother, Kwadwo, calling for a thorough and transparent police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

He wants those responsible for his brother's death to be identified and brought to justice.

The Ghana Mission disclosed that New York City Police had informed the family that an autopsy was being conducted on Owusu's body as investigations continued.

Owusu's mother, Mavis, was reportedly informed of his death by the New York City Police on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The government has pledged to work with the relevant US authorities as the family seeks answers over the circumstances that led to the young Ghanaian's death.

EA