Aunty Naa of Oyerepa Afutuo has criticised what she describes as unequal media attention and public outrage over the deaths of Ghanaians in the United States and those murdered in Ghana, insisting that every Ghanaian life deserves equal value regardless of where the person dies.
The media personality has questioned whether Ghanaians had reached a point where the lives of citizens living abroad were considered more important than those residing in the country.
Her comments followed the widespread public attention surrounding the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian boy Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York, while drawing attention to the gruesome murders of Ghanaian entrepreneur Irene Atubiga and her uncle, George Atubiga, in Ghana.
Aunty Naa acknowledged that the death of the young boy in America was heartbreaking and that his family deserved justice. However, she expressed concern that the extensive coverage of his killing by radio and television stations appeared disproportionate to the attention being given to the murders of the two Ghanaians in the country.
She argued that the two victims, Irene Atubiga, a prominent entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Kussa Shea Bliss, and her uncle, George Atubiga, deserved the same level of public sympathy, media coverage and demand for justice.
According to her, the circumstances surrounding a person’s death should not determine the extent to which society mourns them or demands accountability from the authorities.
Irene Atubiga and her uncle killed at Sakumono
The deaths of Irene and George Atubiga have sent shockwaves through sections of the Ghanaian public following a shooting incident at NTHC Estate, Sakumono, in the Greater Accra Region, on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Irene, 47, was an entrepreneur and founder of Kussa Shea Bliss, a shea butter-based skincare and personal care products company. She reportedly had two young children.
Her uncle, George Atubiga, 57, was also killed in the incident, which is believed to have stemmed from a financial disagreement.
According to preliminary police investigations, the incident involved a GH¢500,000 debt allegedly owed by George to a man identified as Samuel Christopher Osei Anto.
Police indicated that the suspect reportedly visited the victims’ residence with a woman, identified as Beatrice Mumuni, to demand repayment of the money.
A misunderstanding allegedly ensued during the encounter, resulting in the shooting deaths of George and his niece, Irene.
The two victims were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Their bodies were subsequently deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police intensify investigations
Following the incident, the Ghana Police Service arrested 47-year-old Beatrice Mumuni in connection with the killings and declared Samuel Christopher Osei Anto wanted to assist with investigations.
The Police also announced a GH¢100,000 reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest of the principal suspect.
Members of the public with information about his whereabouts have been urged to contact the nearest police station or call the emergency numbers 191 or 18555.
Javits Frimpong’s death attracts national attention
Meanwhile, the killing of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York, has attracted widespread attention in Ghana, with several media organisations, public officials and prominent personalities expressing concern and demanding justice.
Javits was reportedly shot while walking to school on Thursday, October 29, 2026. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
His father, Thomas Frimpong, subsequently disclosed that his son had complained about being bullied by some schoolmates before the fatal incident, raising concerns about a possible connection between the alleged bullying and his death. However, authorities have not established a motive for the shooting.
The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has also pledged to work with United States authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The incident has generated significant public sympathy, with calls for justice extending beyond Ghana to the international community.
A call for equal attention to victims of violent crime
Aunty Naa’s intervention has brought renewed attention to questions about media priorities, public sympathy and the value placed on the lives of Ghanaians depending on where tragic incidents occur.
While acknowledging the importance of seeking justice for Javits and supporting his grieving family, her argument is that similar compassion and urgency should be demonstrated towards victims of violent crimes within Ghana.
She believes that the murders of Irene and George should not receive less attention simply because they happened within Ghana’s borders rather than in a foreign country.
Her comments also raise questions about the media’s responsibility to ensure important criminal cases receive sustained coverage, particularly when victims and their families seek justice.
Ultimately, her message is that the value of a Ghanaian life should not be determined by geographical location, social standing or public prominence.
Whether a Ghanaian is killed in Accra, Kumasi, Sakumono or New York, the demand for justice should remain the same.
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