KNUST student, Joana Deladem Yabani buried today

Joana Deladem Yabani, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) student allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, was laid to rest in a heartbreaking ceremony at the Jehovah Shammah Assemblies of God auditorium in Ashongman.

Family, friends, and sympathizers gathered in sorrow to bid farewell to the 23-year-old whose life was tragically cut short.

The atmosphere was heavy with grief as mourners, including colleagues, schoolmates, and dignitaries such as Parliamentary Clerk Cyril Nsiah and Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, George Amoh, paid their final respects.

Representatives from Joana’s former schools — Achimota School and KNUST — were also present in their numbers, forming a sea of black and red in her memory.

Due to the high-profile nature of the case and ongoing legal proceedings, media access was heavily restricted.

Journalists were barred from entering the main auditorium where the solemn private service took place, following directives from Joana’s family’s legal team.

Adeline Baidoo, President of the Ghana Women Forum and a lecturer at Accra Technical University, took a moment during the ceremony to reflect on Joana’s gentle spirit and speak out strongly against domestic violence.

“I was once in a toxic relationship,” she recounted.

"If I hadn’t left, I don’t know what would have become of me. Joana’s story is a painful reminder that silence in the face of abuse can be fatal.”

Joana’s lifeless body was found on February 27, near the Rehabilitation and Disability Centre on the KNUST campus. Her alleged boyfriend, Daniel Tuffour, is currently standing trial for her murder.

Joana is survived by her grieving parents and eight siblings.

Her tragic death has reignited national conversations around intimate partner violence, with calls growing louder for stronger protection systems for women and girls.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith