The murder of Joana Deladem Yabani, a final-year student studying biological sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has been strongly denounced and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has made clear that it has concerns.
“We categorically condemn this heinous act and all forms of violence against women and girls,” the ministry declared. A suspect thought to be involved in this horrible deed has been arrested following early investigations into the February 27, 2025, discovery of Ms. Yabani’s body on campus.
“We offer our sincere condolences to Ms. Yabani’s family, friends, and the entire university community during this difficult time,” the ministry stated.
According to a ministry statement, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the sector minister, had spoken with the victim’s immediate family in person and promised them the ministry will be there to support them during this difficult time.
It said “The incident underscores the urgent need to address gender-based violence in our society” saying “no individual should ever have to suffer such cruelty, especially at the hands of someone they trust”.
“As a ministry, we call on law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is swiftly and firmly served,” saying the ministry was actively engaging relevant stakeholders, including the police, civil society organisations, and university authorities, to strengthen measures that prevent such tragedies and support survivors of gender-based violence.
Additionally, it urged youth, particularly students, to seek safety and assistance from the counseling departments of their various schools, which include the police, parents, and school officials.
“We urge the public to speak up against gender-based violence and work together to create a society where women and girls feel safe, valued and protected,” saying the ministry remained committed to seeking justice, providing support, and fostering a society where every individual can live in dignity, safety and freedom from violence.
For complaints and inquiries, the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope Call Center can be reached at 0800-800-800 or 0800-900-900, according to the announcement.
Additionally, it stated that the Domestic abuse Call Center’s toll-free hotline, 0800-111-222, may be used to report cases of sexual and gender-based abuse.