A young Ghanaian woman’s life has been brutally cut short in Hamilton, Canada.
The woman, Belinda Sarkodie, was fatally shot while waiting at a bus stop on King Street on Friday, July 11.
She was reportedly checking her reflection in a mirror when she was struck in the head by a bullet.
The shooting, which involved two other victims, has shocked the Ghanaian community in Hamilton and the broader Ghanaian diaspora in Canada.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the 30-year-old may have been an innocent bystander caught in what appears to have been a gang-related shootout.
Early indications point to Ms. Sarkodie being unintentionally hit by a stray bullet.
This tragic incident reflects a disturbing trend of gun violence on civilians in Canadian cities.
Just over a year earlier, in February 2024, Adu Boakye, a Ghanaian immigrant, was fatally shot in a random attack near a bus stop in Toronto.
He had been the sole provider for his family back in Ghana.
Ms. Sarkodie’s death has reignited concerns about public safety, particularly for immigrants and international students who often rely on public transit and live in densely populated areas.
Her loss is felt deeply within the Ghanaian community, which numbers over 100,000 across Canada, with significant populations in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Hamilton.
The Hamilton Police have since commenced an investigation into the incident. No arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear.
Adding to the heartbreak, it appears Ms. Sarkodie had no immediate family in Canada, leaving members of the Ghanaian community to mourn her on her behalf.
The Ghanaian High Commission in Ottawa, along with local Ghanaian associations, is expected to coordinate with authorities and assist with arrangements following her death.
As the investigation continues, the Ghanaian community in Hamilton and across Canada mourns the senseless loss of Belinda Sarkodie, a young woman whose life ended far too soon.
