GES condemns tragic shooting incident at Garu D/A basic school

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed deep regret over the tragic shooting incident that occurred on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Garu D/A Primary and Junior High School in the Upper East Region, which led to the death of the Headteacher, Mr. Bukhari Yahaya.

In a statement issued by the Service and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, GES described the development as a “cruel and needless act of violence.” The Service stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for teaching and learning, not scenes of brutality, and reiterated that such acts have no place in Ghana’s educational system and will not be tolerated.

The GES extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, staff, and students of Garu D/A Primary and JHS, assuring them of the Ministry’s full support during this difficult period. “We stand in strong solidarity with the entire Garu education community,” the statement said. As part of immediate measures, management has temporarily closed down the school from Tuesday, October 21 to Monday, October 27, 2025, to allow staff and students to recover from the trauma. The Guidance and Counselling Unit of the District will also provide psychosocial support to affected students and teachers.

The Service added that it is collaborating with the District Security Council (DISEC) and security agencies to ensure safety as investigations continue. It further appealed to residents of Garu to remain calm and support ongoing efforts to restore peace to the school and community.

The deadly shooting incident on Monday, October 20, 2025, left four people dead, including the headmaster of Garu D/A Basic School. The attackers, believed to be four armed men on two motorbikes, reportedly stormed the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) office in Garu, shooting indiscriminately before fleeing the scene. Sources say the gunmen fired multiple shots in the community during their escape, leaving residents terrified and forcing many to flee for safety.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the government, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ministry of Education to provide immediate support for the wife and three children of Mr. Bukhari Yahaya, the headteacher who was killed in the tragic shooting.