The serene campus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was shattered by the discovery of the lifeless body of Miss Joana Deladem Yabani, a final-year Biological Sciences student, on the morning of February 27, 2025. The grim discovery, made near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre around 5:00 a.m. by university security personnel, immediately prompted a swift response from both the university and law enforcement authorities. The tragic incident sparked immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding Miss Yabani’s death. The Ashanti Regional Police Command, spearheaded by DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, quickly took the lead in unraveling the events that led to this devastating loss.
The investigation took a significant turn with the identification of a suspect, 21-year-old Daniel Tuffuor, also a final-year student at KNUST. Crucially, campus surveillance footage played a pivotal role in linking Tuffuor to the crime. The readily available CCTV network throughout the university grounds provided investigators with vital visual evidence, capturing Tuffuor’s movements and placing him in the vicinity of the crime scene. DCOP Teye-Cudjoe confirmed Tuffuor’s arrest and his ongoing cooperation with the investigation, indicating a crucial breakthrough in the case. While the exact nature of Tuffuor’s involvement remains under investigation, his identification marks a significant step towards uncovering the truth behind Miss Yabani’s untimely demise.
In the wake of this tragedy, the focus immediately shifted towards ensuring the safety and security of the remaining students and staff at KNUST. The Ashanti Regional Police Command, recognizing the heightened anxiety and fear gripping the campus community, implemented a comprehensive security enhancement strategy. DCOP Cudjoe announced the deployment of increased police presence on campus, including 24-hour patrols and intensified surveillance activities. This visible display of security served as a reassurance to the university community, aiming to restore a sense of safety and confidence following the disturbing incident.
The KNUST administration, deeply affected by the loss of one of their own, responded with a statement acknowledging the tragic event and expressing their condolences to Miss Yabani’s family and friends. The university’s statement highlighted the profound impact of this loss on the entire campus community, emphasizing the shared grief and sorrow experienced by students, staff, and faculty alike. Furthermore, the statement revealed a crucial intervention from the highest levels of law enforcement: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare personally contacted Vice-Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, offering his condolences and assuring her of enhanced security measures. This direct communication from the IGP underscored the severity of the situation and the commitment of the national police force to ensuring the safety and security of the KNUST community.
Professor Dickson expressed her profound sadness and shock at the news, acknowledging the devastating impact of losing a student under such tragic circumstances. She recognized the immense grief experienced by Miss Yabani’s parents, emphasizing the heartbreak and pain caused by this sudden and unexpected loss. She also expressed gratitude for the swift response and intervention of the IGP, highlighting the importance of the reinforced security measures in restoring a sense of calm and safety on campus. The university’s response reflected a commitment to supporting the grieving community, cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, and prioritizing the well-being of all students and staff.
The investigation into Miss Yabani’s death continues, with the Ashanti Regional Police Command diligently pursuing all leads and gathering evidence to establish the full sequence of events. The focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served for Miss Yabani and her grieving family. The collaborative efforts of the police, the university administration, and the support from the national police force signify a collective determination to bring closure to this tragedy and to prevent future incidents of this nature. The campus community, while mourning the loss of a promising young student, remains hopeful that the investigation will provide answers and bring those responsible to justice.
