The Ghanaian community abroad is mourning following the deaths of three young men in separate incidents in Canada and the United States, raising fresh concerns about the safety of Ghanaians living overseas.
The latest incident occurred in Etobicoke, west of Toronto, Canada, where a young man identified by Ghanaian community members and local media as Prince Abdul Malik was fatally shot on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
His death comes just nine days after 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong was shot and killed while walking to school in the Bronx, New York.
The two cases have drawn attention to another disturbing incident involving 24-year-old Joseph Owusu, whose body was discovered in a bag in Canarsie, Brooklyn, on October 30, after he had reportedly gone missing.
Although the three incidents occurred in different locations and under different circumstances, they have left families and members of the Ghanaian diaspora searching for answers.
VIDEO: Ghanaian Lives Lost Abroad: Prince Malik, Javits Frimpong and Joseph Owusu Cases
Here is what is currently known about the three cases, based on police information and established media reporting.
- Prince Abdul Malik killed in Etobicoke, Toronto
A young man identified by Ghanaian media and community members as Prince Abdul Malik has died following a shooting in Etobicoke, a district in the western part of Toronto, Canada.
The shooting occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, near the intersection of Rathburn Road and The East Mall.
According to Toronto Police, officers responding to the incident found a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. They immediately administered emergency assistance before he was transported to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Toronto Police Inspector Jeff Allington confirmed the death and said investigators were still in the early stages of their inquiries.
Police believe the victim was in his late teens or early twenties. At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not publicly confirmed his identity or nationality.
Ghanaian media reports have since identified him as Prince Abdul Malik, although his name has not been independently confirmed in the police information available at the time of publication.
Police search for two suspects
Investigators are searching for at least two male suspects who were reportedly dressed in dark clothing.
The Toronto Police Homicide and Missing Persons Unit has taken over the investigation as officers work to establish what led to the shooting.
Police have not publicly disclosed a motive or established whether the victim knew the suspects.
Authorities are appealing to residents and anyone who was in the area to provide information, including relevant home surveillance or security camera footage.
The incident has generated concern among Ghanaians following the recent killing of Javits Frimpong in New York.
Javits Frimpong: Latest developments in the Bronx shooting
The death of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong continues to attract attention in Ghana and the United States, as his family and community members demand justice.
Javits was fatally shot on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while walking to school near East 171st Street in the Bronx, New York.
The teenager had reportedly moved from Ghana to the United States about a year earlier to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong. He was a student at DreamYard Preparatory School and reportedly aspired to become a medical doctor.
According to police information reported by US media, three individuals wearing hooded clothing and surgical masks approached the teenager. Javits reportedly attempted to flee before being chased and shot.
NYPD detectives have been investigating possible motives, including robbery, mistaken identity and allegations of bullying at school.
His father previously told the media that two students had allegedly been involved in a bullying incident involving his son shortly before the shooting. However, police have not established that the alleged bullying was connected to his death.
No arrests as community demands justice
As of the latest reports available on November 8, police had not announced any arrests in connection with the killing.
The search for the three suspects remains ongoing.
On Saturday, November 7, hundreds of people, including family members, students, community leaders and activists, participated in a march and candlelight vigil in the Bronx to honour Javits and demand justice.
His mother, Madam Doris Adu Gyamfi, travelled from Ghana to New York following an expedited visa process to attend to her son’s funeral arrangements and seek justice.
In an earlier statement after arriving in the United States, she said: “I want justice for my son, that is all.”
The Ghanaian government has also pledged support to the family and said it would work with US authorities to pursue justice.
The latest developments have been reported by CBS New York and 3News.
Joseph Owusu, 24, found dead in Canarsie, Brooklyn
Another case that has deeply affected Ghanaians in the United States is the death of 24-year-old Joseph Owusu, whose body was discovered in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
Owusu was found on Friday, October 30, near the intersection of East 93rd Street and Avenue L.
According to reporting by News 12 Brooklyn and 3News, his body was inside a large black bag that had been left on a pavement.
Surveillance footage obtained by US media reportedly showed two individuals removing a large bag from the boot of a light-coloured vehicle and leaving it near a church before driving away.
The bag was later moved along the street by a person using a handcart, who reportedly discovered that it contained a body and alerted authorities.
Owusu was subsequently identified by his family.
Family remembers a gifted church musician
Joseph’s older brother, Kojo Yeboah, told News 12 that the family became concerned after they could not reach him for some time.
He explained that it was not unusual for family members to go a few days without hearing from Joseph, but they became worried when communication stopped.
Joseph was remembered as a devoted church member who had a passion for music.
Members of the Ghana United Methodist Church in the Allerton section of the Bronx described him as a talented musician who regularly played the piano and organ.
He was also reportedly studying computer science and working in a role supporting people with disabilities.
His family has called for justice and answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
What do investigators know?
Although surveillance footage has reportedly captured two people leaving the bag containing Joseph’s body, the cause of his death had not been publicly established in the reports available at the time of publication.
The medical examiner’s findings were still pending, and no arrests had been reported in connection with the case.
Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has visited the bereaved family and assured them of the government’s support.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also indicated that Ghana would engage the relevant US authorities over the matter.
Read the reports from News 12 Brooklyn and 3News.
Three separate tragedies, families seeking answers
The deaths of Prince Abdul Malik, Javits Frimpong and Joseph Owusu have brought renewed attention to the safety and welfare of young Ghanaians living abroad.
However, the three cases remain separate investigations, and there is currently no publicly established evidence linking the incidents or suggesting that the victims were targeted because they were Ghanaian.
While the Toronto and Bronx shootings remain under investigation, Joseph Owusu’s cause of death has yet to be publicly established.
For the families, the immediate concern remains finding answers, securing justice where criminal wrongdoing is established and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
As investigations continue in Canada and the United States, many Ghanaians will be watching closely for further updates from the respective authorities.
Three young lives. Three separate tragedies. And three families waiting for answers.
Frequently Asked Questions: After Javits Frimpong, Another Ghanaian Teen Killed – Prince Abdul Malik, Canada & Joseph Owusu
- Who is Prince Abdul Malik?
Prince Abdul Malik is the name used by Ghanaian media and community members to identify the young man fatally shot in Etobicoke, Toronto, on November 7, 2026. Toronto Police had not publicly confirmed his identity in the initial reports.
- Have the suspects in Javits Frimpong’s killing been arrested?
As of November 8, 2026, no arrests had been announced. NYPD investigations into the October 29 shooting were ongoing.
- How did Joseph Owusu die?
Joseph Owusu, 24, was found dead inside a bag in Canarsie, Brooklyn, on October 30. His cause of death had not been publicly established in the latest available reports.
GhanaTrends’ previous Javits Frimpong coverage HERE
Other reports: Toronto Police, CBS New York, News 12 Brooklyn, Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
