Belinda Sarkodie, Ghanaian Woman Killed in Hamilton Shooting, Remembered as Honest and Kind

A Ghanaian woman, Belinda Sarkodie, was killed in a shooting in Hamilton, Canada. She was a refugee who had moved to Canada in 2024 to seek refuge. Friends and family described her as kind, honest, and cheerful. Sarkodie was an innocent bystander during the shooting and police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect. Her death has left her community in shock and grief.

Hamilton, Canada - July 2, 2025 - A 26-year-old Ghanaian woman, Belinda Sarkodie, was fatally struck by a bullet in a downtown Hamilton shooting on Friday, July 1. Sarkodie, who had immigrated to Canada in 2024, was an innocent bystander waiting for a bus with a friend when she was killed. The incident has left her community in shock and grief.

According to Hamilton police, a 17-year-old male suspect, Mackale Lavoie, has been identified and a warrant for his arrest has been issued under charges of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder [1]. The shooting occurred near James Street North and King Street East at approximately 5:25 p.m. ET on Friday. Lavoie is believed to have been the intended target of the shooting, but the bullet struck Sarkodie instead.

Sarkodie, who was born in the community of Konongo in Ghana, was the youngest of three children and was supporting her mother back home. She had been working at the Hamilton airport and was known for her kindness and warmth by colleagues and friends. Her death has left a profound impact on the community, with many describing her as a smart, hardworking, and cheerful individual [2].

The Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Sarkodie's funeral and to support her family. The community is planning a vigil for her on Friday, July 8, from 5 to 6 p.m. at King and James streets [2].

The shooting has sparked a wave of grief and concern within the Ghanaian community in Canada. Evelyn Aidoo, who described Sarkodie as a kind and honest individual, said, "That's not fair... She thought she was safe here." Aidoo, who was considered a family member by Sarkodie, was devastated by the news of her death [2].

The incident has also highlighted the ongoing issues of gun violence in Canada. While the country has strict gun laws, incidents like this one underscore the need for continued vigilance and community engagement to address the root causes of such tragedies.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/teen-suspect-downtown-killing-1.7584231
[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/belinda-sarkodie-1.7584740