President John Dramani Mahama has criticised gun violence and easy access to firearms in the United States following the deaths of two Ghanaians in New York.
Speaking at a meet-the-press session at Jubilee House on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Mr Mahama cited the killing of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong in the Bronx and the death of 24-year-old caregiver Joseph Owusu, whose body was reportedly found near a dump site after he went missing for two weeks.
Commenting on Frimpong’s killing, the President said bullying had been suggested as a possible motive, but noted that the New York Police Department (NYPD) was investigating.
“Two things the American people have to reckon with are the violent nature of their society, especially gun violence,” he said.
Mr Mahama also criticised the easy availability of firearms, pointing to the US constitutional right to bear arms.
“It is part of the amendments in their constitution that give citizens the right to bear arms. So, anybody can go to a gun shop to buy one,” he said.
He further described mental health as a growing global concern, warning that the pressures of modern life could leave people struggling without others noticing.
“Sometimes, someone is stressed, but he is well dressed, and you will think that everything is okay,” he said.
The President added that gun violence remained a major challenge confronting the United States, calling attention to the need to address the problem.
