The Ghanaian community in New York is mourning another young man following the reported death of 24-year-old Joseph Owusu.
Owusu had reportedly been missing for about two weeks before news of his death emerged on November 3.
His body was allegedly discovered at a dumpsite in the Bronx.
His death has raised fresh concerns among Ghanaians in the United States. However, questions remain about what happened and how he died.
According to a social media post by an account identified as UglyGod, a scrap collector discovered Owusu’s body among refuse.
Ghanaian media reports also identified him as an organist at the Ghana United Methodist Church in the Bronx.
Members of his church reportedly remembered him as a dedicated musician. He was also described as someone who supported others through kind words and a listening ear.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding his death. Available reports had also not established whether criminal activity was involved.
There is equally no confirmed evidence linking Owusu’s death to the separate killing of another Ghanaian, Javits Frimpong.
In Frimpong’s case, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were considering three possible motives. These included robbery, mistaken identity and possible bullying at school.
As of Wednesday morning, police had announced no arrest in connection with Frimpong’s killing.
Meanwhile, calls are growing for authorities to provide clear answers about Owusu’s death. His family deserves official information rather than reports circulating on social media.
The NYPD and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner should clarify his identity and circumstances of death. They should also state the cause and manner of death when established.
Ghana’s diplomatic mission in New York should also reach out to the family. Consular support and assistance in seeking answers would help them through this difficult period.
