With the passing of Mr. Adu Boakye on February 17^th, 2024 through a random act of gun violence, a vigil was organized for one week after his passing, February 24^th, 2024 at Jane and Driftwood. The vigil started at 1:00 pm with community members, law enforcement officers, civic leaders, and the press.

The event began with a prayer by Reverend Father Kenneth Korsah, Ghana Anglican Church of Toronto. After the prayer, Emmanuel C. Duodu, President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario, welcomed everyone to the vigil. He acknowledged Mayor Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, MPP Tom Rakocevic, MP for Humber River, Toronto Police Superintendent Singh and law enforcement members, Councilor Anthony Perruzza, Councilor Humber River, Staff Sergeant Don Yirenkyi, President of Ghanaian-Canadian Law Enforcement Association and Mr. Louis Marche a community advocate against gun violence.

Mr. E. Duodu detailed why the vigil was organized to remember Mr. Adu Boakye and also assure the community that we are here to support each other. He reminded everyone that the fact that Adu Boakye was brazenly gunned down in broad daylight is a stark reminder that more needs to be done to address gun violence. He appealed to Mayor Chow and other civic leaders that addressing the underlying issue of gun violence requires creating opportunities for young people in education, employment, mentoring, after-school programs, and housing.

Mayor Chow reminded us to have hope. The mayor pledged that the Toronto Police law enforcement will work tirelessly to apprehend the person or persons behind this cowardly act. MPP Tom Rakocevic and Councilor Perruzza all lent their support to the Ghanaian community. Superintendent Singh of Toronto Police also lent his support to the community.

Richardson Adorsu, a close friend of Adu Boakye, spoke about the peaceful nature of Adu Boakye and that he rarely speaks. He spoke about the kids and wife left behind. E. Duodu encouraged all to chip in to the GoFundMe to support the burial cost and the young family left behind.

Community members and civic leaders walked to the bus stop where Adu Boakye was gunned down and a solemn prayer was offered by Reverend Father Korsah.

Written By: Emmanuel Duodu (GCAO President)