Sarkodie urges Black parents abroad to instil good values after death of Ghanaian teenager in New York

Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has called on some Black parents living abroad to pay greater attention to their children’s upbringing following the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ghanaian boy Javits Frimpong in the United States.

The award-winning musician said he took pride in the values and discipline with which many Ghanaian children were raised, even in difficult neighbourhoods, and expressed concern about what he described as the increasing occurrence of deadly violence in some Western communities.

In a message shared on social media on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Sarkodie, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo, said murder remained a deeply shocking occurrence in Ghana, where such incidents usually attracted widespread media attention and public condemnation.

He said although Ghana and other African countries faced several challenges, he remained proud of the upbringing many children received.

“We might have our difficulties here in Africa, especially in Ghana, but one thing I will always pride myself on is how we were brought up as children, even in rough and tough neighbourhoods,” he stated.

The rapper observed that the frequency of violent incidents in some parts of the Western world had raised concerns about the safety of Ghanaians and other Africans living abroad.

He said such incidents made it worrying for families whose children and relatives had relocated to those countries in search of better opportunities.

Sarkodie also questioned the influence of parenting and the values children received at home, urging some members of the Black community abroad to take greater responsibility for raising their children.

“I think some of my fellow Black brothers and sisters out there need to do better when it comes to raising their children and instilling the right values in them,” he said.

His comments followed the death of Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager who was fatally shot in the Bronx, New York, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Reports indicated that the teenager was shot while walking to school at about 9:20 a.m. and was later pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.

The tragic incident sparked grief among Ghanaians at home and abroad, with calls for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.

Sarkodie expressed deep sadness over the loss and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, particularly the teenager’s parents.

He prayed for strength for the family as they dealt with the loss of their son and called for the peaceful repose of his soul.

“It’s very unfortunate that we had to lose Javits this way. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Sending love, prayers and strength to the family, especially his mum and dad. My deepest condolences,” he added.

The rapper’s message added to the growing public expressions of sympathy following the death of the young Ghanaian, whose killing renewed concerns about the safety of children and young people in communities abroad.