“She was the light in every room, a soul full of promise—now a symbol of a movement against gender-based violence.”

A Community United in Sorrow as Joana Yabani Is Laid to Rest

In a powerful display of national grief and solidarity, the funeral of Joana Deladem Yabani, a promising Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) student, drew thousands of mourners to the Jehovah Shammah Assemblies of God Church in Ashongman Estates, Accra, on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

The young woman, whose tragic death allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend shook the country, was remembered not only for her academic brilliance and gentle spirit but also as the face of a growing movement to combat gender-based violence in Ghana.

A Nation Weeps, A Legacy Begins

The ceremony was attended by a cross-section of society—family, friends, students, church members, and public officials—all gathered to mourn a life taken too soon. The KNUST student body, Achimota Old Students Association, top clergy from the Assemblies of God Ghana, and security personnel led by DCOP Teye Cudjoe, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, were present to show support.

Mourners filled every seat, and outside the church, crowds stood in silence as the hearse arrived, some holding placards calling for justice, others simply wiping away tears.

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The Birth of a Legacy: JDAY Foundation Launched

In the wake of Joana’s tragic death, a new beacon of hope emerged: the JDAY Foundation. Officially launched during the funeral service, the organization seeks to raise awareness of domestic abuse and prevent similar tragedies through education, advocacy, and survivor support.

“Her life must not be in vain. Joana's story must be the last of its kind,” said one of the foundation’s representatives during a tearful speech.

The Unanswered Questions and the Legal Battle Ahead

Joana was discovered dead near KNUST’s Rehabilitation and Disability Centre on February 27, 2025. The main suspect, her boyfriend Daniel Tuffour, is currently standing trial. The exact circumstances surrounding her death remain murky, intensifying public calls for justice and legal reform around intimate partner violence.

Final Goodbyes and a Future of Purpose

Joana is survived by her grieving parents—Dr. John B.K. Yabani and Mrs. Rejoice Amakie Yabani—and eight siblings. A thanksgiving service will be held on April 13, 2025, at the same church, where her legacy will be celebrated with prayers, songs, and renewed commitments to ending gender-based violence in Ghana.