By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Mar. 11, GNA — The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has condemned the murder of Ms. Joana Yabani, a final-year Biological Sciences student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Public Affairs Unit and shared with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the sector minister, expressed her condolences to Ms. Yabani’s family and assured them of the Ministry’s support.
Ms. Yabani was found dead on campus on February 27, 2025.
Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in the crime.
The statement highlighted the need to urgently address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in society.
“No individual should ever suffer such cruelty, especially at the hands of someone they trust,” the statement quoted the minister as saying.
“We unequivocally condemn this heinous act and all forms of violence against women and girls.
“During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Yabani’s family, friends, and the entire university community,” it said.
The statement called on law enforcement agencies to ensure swift and firm justice.
It also said that the Ministry was working with relevant stakeholders, including the police, civil society organizations, and university authorities, to strengthen measures to prevent such tragedies and support GBV survivors.
The Ministry encouraged students to seek support from school counseling units, authorities, parents, and the police.
It urged the public to speak out against GBV and work together to create a society where women and girls felt safe, valued, and protected.
“The Ministry remains committed to seeking justice, providing support, and fostering a society where every individual can live in dignity, safety, and freedom from violence,” the statement added.
The statement urged the public to contact the Ministry’s Helpline of Hope Call Centre at its toll-free numbers, 0800-1800-800 or 0800-900-900, for complaints and inquiries.
It said sexual and gender-based violence issues could also be reported to the Domestic Violence Call Centre at the toll-free number 0800-111-222.
GNA
KAS