The Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations in New York has paid a visit to the family of a 24-year-old Ghanaian, Joseph Owusu, whose death under unexplained circumstances marks the second reported killing of a Ghanaian in New York within a week.
In a statement issued on November 4, 2026, the Mission said the visit was undertaken on the directive of Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, with Deputy Permanent Representative Ben Dotsei Malor and Consul-General Anthony El-Adas leading the delegation.
The officials visited the family of the late Joseph Owusu after New York City Police announced his death to his mother, Madam Mavis, on October 31, 2026.
The Mission conveyed the condolences of the Government of Ghana to the bereaved family on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who joined the visit by telephone.
According to the statement, the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed shock and sadness over the incident, especially coming shortly after the killing of another Ghanaian teenager in the Bronx.
Mr Ablakwa assured the family that the Government of Ghana stood firmly with them and would work closely with relevant United States authorities and agencies to ensure that justice is served.
The deceased, Joseph Owusu, worked as a caregiver supporting persons with disabilities and also served as a chorister in his local Methodist church.
The Mission described him as a beloved son and brother whose death has left his family and community devastated.
During the meeting, Joseph Owusu’s brother, Kwadwo, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and urged law enforcement authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
The statement further disclosed that police had informed the family that an autopsy was being conducted on the deceased as investigations into the case continue.
The latest incident has renewed concerns among the Ghanaian community in New York following two reported deaths involving Ghanaian nationals within the space of one week.