Adu Boakye, a 40-year-old Ghanaian man who came to Canada in November 2023 to support his family, was fatally shot while waiting for the bus near a community centre in northwest Toronto on February 17, 2024. He was one of two victims of a senseless and indiscriminate attack by the same suspect or suspects, who remain at large. The other victim, a 16-year-old boy who was on his way to a volleyball game, survived but suffered potentially life-altering injuries. Boakye’s death has shocked and saddened his friends, family, and community, who gathered for a vigil on Saturday to honour his memory and demand justice.
A Family Man Who Loved Children
Boakye was a father of four who left his wife and children in Ghana to seek a better life and opportunities in Canada. He was working as a cleaner and sending money back home to support his family. He was also planning to bring them over to join him in the future. He was described by his friends as a quiet, respectful, and hardworking man who loved children and always had a smile on his face.
“He is the breadwinner of the family….he came to seek a greener pasture so he could also get something for his family, now look what happened to him in Canada,” said Prince Kwadwo Tewiah, a member of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario, who spoke to Boakye’s mother in Ghana.
Boakye would often video call his wife during his breaks and share his experiences and hopes with her. He was also close to his friends and co-workers, who said he was always ready to offer advice and help.
“He was a good man, an angel on Earth,” said Richardson Adorsu, one of Boakye’s friends. “There’s so many discussions that I discussed with him, some advice that me, myself, I cannot advise myself.”
Orwell Coffie, who worked with Boakye and became his friend, said he would often translate conversations for him, as Boakye’s English was not strong. He said Boakye never got angry and was always positive.
A Random and Indiscriminate Attack
Boakye was waiting for the bus at Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue around 4 p.m. on February 17, when he was shot three times by a gunman who drove by in a black Acura. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries. The shooting happened less than 24 hours after another shooting at the same intersection, which left a 16-year-old boy critically injured.
Police have said the attacks were random and indiscriminate, and that the victims did not know each other or the suspect, nor were they involved in any gang activity or anything similar. They have released a photo of a suspect and said they found the stolen black Acura linked to the shootings in Hamilton. They have also appealed to the public for any information or video footage that could help them identify and locate the shooter or shooters.
“This is a very active investigation and we are doing everything we can to solve this case and bring those responsible to justice,” said Detective Sergeant Keri Fernandes of the Toronto Police Homicide Squad.
A Community in Mourning and Outrage
Boakye’s death has sparked outrage and grief among his community, who held a vigil on Saturday at the site of the shooting. Some who attended the vigil brought flowers, others wore shirts with his photo that read “In memory of Adu Boakye.” They lit candles, sang songs, and prayed for his soul and his family. They also called for an end to gun violence and for more support and resources for their neighbourhood.
“We are here to say enough is enough. We are here to say we need justice for Adu Boakye. We are here to say we need peace in our community,” said Emmanuel Duodu, president of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario.
Duodu said he spoke to Boakye’s mother earlier that day and found her “completely in shock and traumatized.” He said Boakye’s family has been left without their breadwinner and their loved one, and that they need help and support from the government and the community.
“We are appealing to the government of Canada, the government of Ontario, the city of Toronto, to look at our community and see what we are going through. We need more resources, we need more programs, we need more opportunities for our youth and our families,” he said.
He also urged anyone who has any information about the shooting to come forward and cooperate with the police.
“We are asking the community to be vigilant, to be alert, to be courageous. If you see something, say something. If you know something, say something. Don’t be afraid, don’t be silent. This is our community, this is our home, this is our country. We have to protect it, we have to stand together,” he said.
