The tragic death of Joana Deladem Yabane, a final-year student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has sent shockwaves through the university community and beyond. The alleged murder of Joana by her fellow student and former boyfriend, Daniel Tuffour, has left many questioning the events leading to her untimely demise.
According to reports from the KNUST Gazette, an account associated with the institution, Daniel Tuffour allegedly took electronic gadgets belonging to Joana, including a laptop, and attempted to conceal them to cover up his actions. The details of the case have sparked widespread debate and disbelief among students and the public.
Joana and Daniel’s relationship was known to be tumultuous, with the couple seeking counselling at KNUST’s counselling centre multiple times due to ongoing issues. Despite Joana’s father advising them to end the relationship, Daniel’s obsession with Joana made it difficult for him to let go.
An audio recording from a close friend of Joana revealed that Joana had confided in her about being physically abused by Daniel. Despite this, Joana expressed her love for him and chose to forgive him, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.
The tragic incident unfolded after a minor argument between Joana and Daniel as they were heading back to their hostel. Daniel allegedly pushed Joana to the ground, used his knee on her neck for 2 minutes, and strangled her to death. He then proceeded to hide her laptop behind Flint Hostel and returned the next morning to write his exams, still wearing the same shirt he had worn during the crime.
The discovery of Joana’s body prompted calls for improved security measures on and off campus. KNUST Management, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and KNUST Security Services, launched a thorough investigation, with CCTV footage playing a crucial role in identifying Daniel as the perpetrator.
Daniel was subsequently arrested and remanded by the court, with his final hearing scheduled for March 17, 2025. The case has raised concerns about relationship dynamics, mental health, and campus security, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to address domestic violence and ensure the safety of students.
As the KNUST Gazette concluded, the intentions that led to Joana’s tragic death remain unknown. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing issues of violence and abuse within relationships, and the necessity of effective security measures to protect individuals on campus.
