Joana Deladem Yabani, a 21-year-old student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), was laid to rest on Saturday, April 5, 2025, after her life was tragically cut short on campus.
Joana would have turned 22 years old on November 5, 2025.
Her untimely death on February 27, 2025, shocked and outraged many, with suspicions directed towards her boyfriend, Daniel Tuffuor, as the alleged perpetrator.
Five weeks after the incident, her burial service was held at the Jehovah Shammah Assemblies of God Church at New Ashongman, Accra, drawing grief from family, friends, and students from her school.
The circumstances surrounding her passing remain the subject of intense scrutiny and debates.
Photos and videos from the somber burial ceremony have emerged online, showing the profound sorrow experienced by those who knew and loved her.
The footage captured hundreds of mourners gathering to pay their respects, including representatives from the KNUST student body, the Achimota Old Students Association (AOSA), various clergy, and security officials.
As the community continues to process this heartbreaking event, many are calling for justice and accountability for those responsible for Joana’s death.
Some videos showed students from KNUST, who traveled from Kumasi, arriving at the funeral venue, alongside a significant police presence.
Emotions ran high as mourners arrived, with some unable to contain their tears while others offered consolation.
It was particularly poignant when Joana’s coffin was placed into a hearse for her final journey, with a police motorcade leading the convoy to the burial site.
Joana is survived by her parents, Rejoice Amakie Yabani and Dr John BK Yabani, as well as eight siblings.
A thanksgiving service is scheduled for April 13 at the same church to honor her life and legacy.
Reactions to Joana Yabani’s burial
Images from Joana Yabani’s burial have prompted mixed reactions on social media.
While many offered condolences and support to her family, others discussed relationship advice within the campus context.
During the funeral, a young woman claiming to be Joana’s cousin called for justice and cautioned others, especially women, to leave abusive relationships, emphasising that Joana’s death should serve as a wake-up call.
A family friend reminisced about Joana, recounting how she enjoyed helping her mother with her trading business, always bringing joy to her mother’s customers.
In honor of her memory, the JDAY (Joana Deladem Aku Yabani) Foundation was launched.
This foundation aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and relationship-related crimes.
Tributes and condolences
Tributes to Joana have flooded social media, with many friends and family describing her as a bright, ambitious young woman full of potential.
The university community has rallied around her loved ones, offering support during this challenging time.
As the investigation into her death progresses, questions remain about the factors that led to such a tragic event and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
Ghanaians have expressed their condolences in the comments sections of posts regarding her passing.
NUGS mourns Joana Yabani’s demise
The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) expressed its condolences, mourning her untimely death.
On February 27, 2025, a press statement was released by NUGS, lamenting that no student should lose their life under such circumstances.
The association commended the university for initiating a timely investigation and called for justice for Joana Yabani, stating, “The pursuit of justice for Joana must be uncompromising and impartial, ensuring that those responsible, if any, are held accountable.”
Achimota School mourns Joana Yabani
It has also been reported that the Old Achimota School community is mourning Joana Yabani’s passing.
The association, in a move to honor the life of the late Joana, announced plans to hold a vigil.
NAD/AE
