A promising life has been tragically cut short in Hamilton, Canada, as 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 in Canada.
According to preliminary reports, Ms. Sarkodie was checking herself in a mirror at the bus stop when she was fatally shot in the head.
The act of violence also involved two other individuals, one of whom died at the scene, while the third sustained injuries but survived.
Eyewitness accounts, including one relayed to Bigscout Media, suggest that Belinda Sarkodie may have been an unintended victim, potentially struck by a stray bullet amidst what is believed to have been a gang-related shootout.
This scenario, where innocent bystanders become casualties of escalating gun violence, has become a growing concern in several Canadian cities. Just in April 2025, an international student from India, Harsimrat Randhawa, was similarly killed by a stray bullet while waiting for a bus in Hamilton, highlighting a disturbing pattern.
In February 2024, Adu Boakye, another Ghanaian, was tragically shot dead in a random attack near a bus stop in northwest Toronto, leaving behind a family in Ghana for whom he was the sole breadwinner.
As of the latest reports, Hamilton Police have cordoned off the crime scene and are actively investigating the incident.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. Information from various media outlets indicates that Belinda Sarkodie had no known immediate family in Canada, a detail that deepens the sorrow for those in the Ghanaian community who are now grappling with her sudden and violent death.
The Ghanaian diaspora in Canada is a vibrant and growing community, with estimates suggesting over 100,000 Ghanaians residing across the country, particularly in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Hamilton also hosts a significant number of Ghanaian immigrants, many of whom are professionals and students seeking better opportunities.
The news of Ms. Sarkodie’s death reverberates strongly within this close-knit community, raising concerns about safety and security for Ghanaians living abroad.
The Ghanaian High Commission in Ottawa and other Ghanaian associations in Canada are expected to be in contact with local authorities to follow up on the investigation and offer support, particularly in facilitating arrangements given Ms. Sarkodie’s reported lack of local family.
This tragic event underscores the global reach of gun violence and its devastating impact on individuals and their communities, regardless of their origin.
As the police continue their work, the Ghanaian community in Hamilton and beyond mourns the loss of Belinda Sarkodie, an innocent life caught in the crossfire.