Sarkodie mourns Ghanaian teenager shot dead in New York

Ghanaian rapper Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has expressed sorrow over the death of a Ghanaian teenager, Javits, who was reportedly shot in the abdomen while walking near a school in the Bronx, New York.

The musician has also called for greater attention to parenting and the values instilled in children, saying the incident raises concerns about how young people are raised.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 31, Sarkodie reflected on the upbringing of many Ghanaian children, saying he remained proud of the values instilled in them despite the country’s challenges.

“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 wrote.

He said killings were generally treated as serious incidents in Ghana, attracting widespread media attention and leaving the public shocked and saddened.

“Murder is a big deal out here. It’s almost alien to us because whenever something like that happens, it becomes major news. We announce and discuss almost every single case in the media, and as a people, we are always shocked and saddened by it,” he stated.

Sarkodie also urged members of the Black community abroad to pay greater attention to parenting and the values they teach their children.

“I honestly don’t know what kind of upbringing shapes children to become so evil. 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.

Read also: Ghanaian teen fatally shot while walking near Bronx school as police look for suspects

He described Javits’ death as unfortunate and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, particularly the teenager’s parents.

“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,” he wrote.

He concluded his message by expressing his deepest sympathies to the family.

“My deepest condolences,” he added.