A tragic incident has struck the Ghanaian community in Saskatoon, Canada, as a young international student, Alfred Okyere, lost his life just a week into his new job. Alfred was fatally stabbed 17 times by his colleague, 53-year-old Troy Francis Leclair, at DSI Underground Canada, a mining supply company in Saskatoon on January 20, 2025.
Alfred had moved to Canada in September with hopes of building a better future for himself. Described as hardworking and peaceful by his family and friends, Alfred’s sudden and shocking death has left his loved ones devastated. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with some speculating that it may have been a racially motivated hate crime.
His sister, Lydia Obeng, expressed her disbelief and sorrow over the tragic loss of her brother. She recalled how Alfred never mentioned any issues with his coworkers and always shared everything with her. The news of his death came as a complete shock to her, as she had packed his lunch and bid him farewell as he left for work.
The Ghanaian community in Saskatoon is reeling from the loss, with many struggling to come to terms with the unprecedented tragedy. Family friend Alexander Osei-Owusu described it as a heartbreaking event that has shaken their close-knit community. Despite their grief, they remain hopeful that the Canadian justice system will ensure accountability for Alfred’s death.
As investigations into the incident continue, Alfred’s family and community are left mourning the loss of a beloved brother and friend. Sadly, this is not the first time a Ghanaian has been killed in Canada. In a similar tragic incident, Marvin Baah Boadu was shot dead near an apartment complex in Toronto in October 2024, marking the 72nd homicide recorded in the city that year.
The Ghanaian community in Canada is calling for justice for Alfred and Marvin, hoping that their deaths will not be in vain. They are united in their grief and determination to seek justice for their fallen brothers, as they come to terms with the devastating loss of two promising young men.
