The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed profound sadness over the tragic shooting incident that occurred at the Garu D/A Primary and Junior High School on Monday, October 20, 2025, and claimed the life of the headteacher, Bukhari Yahaya.
According to a statement issued by GES, Mr. Yahaya was reportedly shot while attempting to lead his students to safety during the attack.
The GES condemned the violent act in strong terms, describing schools as sacred spaces for learning that must be protected from all forms of violence and intimidation.
“Schools must remain safe environments for learning, free from brutality,” the statement read.
The statement further announced the temporary closure of Garu D/A Basic School from Tuesday, October 21, to Monday, October 27, 2025, to allow students and teachers time to recover from the trauma.
The District Guidance and Counselling Unit has also been directed to provide psychosocial support to affected individuals.
GES said it is working closely with the District Security Council and other security agencies to ensure safety in the area and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
Security forces have since cordoned off the area and intensified efforts to apprehend the assailants and uncover their motive.
The Service extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to the staff and students of Garu D/A Primary and JHS, pledging its full support to the education community in the area during this difficult period.
The incident formed part of a larger attack in Garu, in the Upper East Region, where four people were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire near the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office.
Four men on two motorbikes reportedly stormed the town and began shooting indiscriminately.
The Garu District Chief Executive, John Abaare, confirmed the deaths and described the chaos that gripped the community during the assault.
Meanwhile, GES has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both students and teachers, restoring calm, and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning.
Source: Adomonline
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Read the full statement below:
