Joana Yabani's Cousin Speaks at Her Funeral, Calls for Justice: "We Can't Cry Forever"

• A cousin of Joana Yabani, the KNUST final-year student who recently passed away has spoken for the first time
• In her interaction with the media, she opened up on how their family is dealing with the death of the young lady
• Netizens who saw the video expressed mixed reactions in the comments section of the now-viral post

Grief engulfed the family and friends who gathered at the funeral of the deceased Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) student, Joana Yabani.

Joana was reported dead on February 27, 2025, on campus after allegedly being murdered by her boyfriend. She was buried on April 5, 2025.

Videos of the funeral have surfaced online, igniting mixed reactions from the general public.

In one of the videos, a young woman who claimed to be the cousin of Joana broke her silence on her demise.

She called for justice for the young lady and advised people, especially ladies to flee from abusive relationships.

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She noted that Joana's demise should be a wake-up call for all ladies in abusive relationships to break up with their partners.

A family friend who was at the event shared fond memories of Joana Yabani, where she indicated that Joana's mother was a trader and she was always delighted when helping her mother sell.

The woman added that Joana was very cheerful to all her mother's customers.

Foundation launch to honour Joana Yabani

A new foundation known as the JDAY Foundation was also launched in honour of her memory.

The foundation would seek to raise awareness against gender-based violence and tragic relationship-related crimes.

Watch the video below:

Joana passes away in school

In February 2025, the lifeless body of a KNUST student was found on campus. The deceased was identified as Joana Yabani, a final-year student.

Preliminary investigations by the police led to the arrest of one Daniel Tuffour, a level 400 student at the university and a hostel mate of Yabani.

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Daniel, who was said to be having an amorous relationship with the deceased, was reported to have engaged in a violent confrontation with Joana.

Daniel Tuffour was apprehended after the police authorities viewed the CCTV footage.

Following his arrest, Daniel has appeared in court on two occasions as the main suspect in the case.

He has since been in police custody. The last time he appeared in court, his case was adjourned, pending the Attorney-General's advice.

NUGS mourn Joana Yabani's passing

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) expressed its condolences while mourning Joana Deladem Yabani.

In a press statement released on February 27, 2025, NUGS bemoaned that no student should have to lose their life under such circumstances.

The association praised the university for launching a swift investigation into the matter and prayed for justice for the late 22-year-old.

"The pursuit of justice for Joana must be uncompromising and impartial, ensuring that those responsible, if any, are held accountable," the statement read in part.

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Reactions to Joana Yabani's speech at funeral

Netizens who saw the video of Joana's cousin speaking on the passing of their beloved expressed mixed reactions in the comment session.

@Kwabena_Adomako wrote:

"Is there an indirect cousin ??"

@Jernifarh wrote:

"Yh like a distant cousin."

@Adel Jessy wrote:

"Interviewer, de baby has a lot 2 say y are you restricting her from airing her grievances?"

@IamYeboahMillian_99 wrote:

"Well talked sis , My condolences."

@Maame.Dufie wrote:

"Akwadaa no see let her talk too."

@NANA KUAMI DERRY wrote:

"Awww, RIP Joan."

@Mz Koranteng wrote:

"The baby wants to insult the lady’s abusive boyfriend."

Achimota School mourns Joana Yabani

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Old Achimotan Association (OAA) expressed sadness over the demise of one of its alumna, Joana Aku Deladem Yabani.

The OAA of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) chapter issued a statement condemning the incident and honour the deceased.

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The association, in a move to honour the life of Joana D. Yabani, announced plans to hold a vigil.

Ghanaians who took to the comments section of the post sent their messages of condolence to the grieving family.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh