A promising life has been tragically cut short in Hamilton, Canada, where a Ghanaian woman, Belinda Sarkodie, was shot and killed by unknown assailants while waiting at a bus stop on King Street.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 11, has sent shockwaves through the local community and the Ghanaian diaspora across Canada.
According to preliminary reports, Ms. Sarkodie was checking her reflection in a mirror at the bus stop when she was fatally shot in the head.
The shooting also involved two other individuals—one of whom died at the scene, while the third sustained injuries but survived.
Eyewitness accounts, including one shared with Bigscout Media, suggest Ms. Sarkodie may have been an unintended victim, possibly struck by a stray bullet during what is believed to have been a gang-related shootout.
Such tragedies, where innocent bystanders fall victim to escalating gun violence, have become a growing concern in several Canadian cities. Just this past April, an international student from India, Harsimrat Randhawa, was also killed by a stray bullet while waiting for a bus in Hamilton, highlighting a troubling pattern.
In February 2024, Adu Boakye, another Ghanaian, was shot dead in a random attack near a bus stop in northwest Toronto. He left behind a family in Ghana for whom he was the sole breadwinner.
Hamilton Police have since cordoned off the crime scene and launched an investigation. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have yet been made.
Information from local media indicates Ms. Sarkodie had no known immediate family in Canada, adding to the heartbreak within the Ghanaian community now grappling with her sudden and violent death.
Canada’s Ghanaian diaspora is a vibrant and growing community, with an estimated population of over 100,000, particularly concentrated in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Hamilton is also home to a significant number of Ghanaian immigrants, including professionals and students seeking better opportunities.
News of Ms. Sarkodie’s death has reverberated strongly through this close-knit community, raising concerns about safety and security for Ghanaians living abroad.
The Ghanaian High Commission in Ottawa and local Ghanaian associations are expected to engage with Canadian authorities to monitor the investigation and assist with necessary arrangements, especially given Ms. Sarkodie’s reported lack of family in Canada.
This tragedy underscores the global reach of gun violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives and communities, regardless of their origin.
As the police investigation continues, the Ghanaian community in Hamilton and beyond mourns the loss of Belinda Sarkodie—an innocent life lost in the crossfire.
Credit: David Apinga
