KNUST Final-Year Student Arrested in Connection with the Death of Joana Deladem Yabani

Kumasi, Ghana – February 27, 2025

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 21-year-old Daniel Tuffuor, a final-year student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in connection with the death of Miss Joana Deladem Yabani, also a final-year student at the university.

Miss Yabani, a Biological Sciences student, was discovered dead at approximately 5:00 a.m. near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre by university security personnel. According to DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, surveillance footage from campus CCTV cameras was instrumental in identifying and apprehending Tuffuor.

“We have identified the suspect through CCTV footage on the KNUST campus, and he is currently assisting us with investigations,” DCOP Cudjoe stated.

In response to the incident, the police have intensified 24-hour surveillance on campus, increasing security patrols to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has also spoken with KNUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, assuring her of additional security measures.

Reacting to the tragic news, Professor Dickson expressed her sadness over the incident and appreciation for the swift intervention of law enforcement.

“Waking up to such horrible news is truly saddening, and losing a student in this manner is heartbreaking, especially for parents. We are grateful to the IGP for his swift intervention and the measures that have been put in place,” she stated.

The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.