Ghanaian father who just relocated to Canada dies after suspected random shooting

Authorities in Toronto, Canada, said a 39-year-old father of four from Ghana was gunned down in what they described as a suspected random shooting. According to CTV News Toronto, the victim, identified as Adu Boakye, was fatally shot in northwest Toronto on Saturday.

A GoFundMe set up to raise funds for the victim’s family and funeral states that Boakye was gunned down while he was standing at the bus stop around Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue and waiting to board a bus to go and send money to his wife back home in Ghana. Boakye had also just relocated to Canada in November, CP24 reported.

“Adu was the primary provider for his family with 4 children and also his elderly parents,” the GoFundMe states. “This devastating situation is a big loss for a family who is so far and cannot be here to see Adu for the last time.”

Authorities said Boakye’s killing came less than 24 hours after a 16-year-old boy was similarly shot in the same area. The teen, who is hospitalized and in critical condition, was also waiting for a bus when he was shot. 

“Our investigation thus far has revealed there is no relationship between Mr. Boakye and the individual, or individuals, who shot him,” Det. Phillip Campbell told reporters, per CTV News Toronto. “And like the victim shot the day before, Mr. Boakye was innocently going about his business [when he was shot].”

Authorities are yet to identify the shooter, though they said they suspect both shootings are linked. Campbell also said they suspect the shootings could be gang-related. And though Campbell did not touch on the motive behind the shootings, he stated that “nothing” currently shows the victims were affiliated with any gang.

Supt. Andy Singh of 31 Division also stated that Boakye and the teen were “completely and utterly innocent.” Singh said that is the big reason behind what has “caused alarm in this community.” Campbell additionally stated that he does not think it will be difficult to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The president of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario, Emmanuel Duodu, told CP24 that Boakye’s killing had left the community “traumatized and very concerned.”

“He was somebody who was really excited about this country,” Duodu said. “We can only fathom a wife, a mother, a father being called to be told that your son, or your husband, or your father, who came to Canada has been shot by somebody randomly. That, to me, is heartbreaking.”