GES Condemns Garu School Shooting Incident, Mourns Headteacher

Accra: The Ghana Education Service (GES) has condemned the shooting incident at Garu D/A Primary and Junior High School which claimed the life of Mr Bukari Yahaya, the headteacher. In a statement signed by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, the GES expressed deep regret over the incident, describing it as a 'cruel and needless act of violence.'According to Ghana News Agency, the GES emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces for teaching and learning, not scenes of brutality. The statement reinforced that such acts have no place in the educational system and will not be tolerated. The GES extended its condolences to all affected, particularly the bereaved family, staff, and students of the school. It expressed strong solidarity with the entire Garu Education Community during this difficult time.As part of temporary measures, the school has been closed from October 21 to October 27, 2025, to allow staff and students time to recover from the trauma. The statement mentioned that the Guidance and Counselling Unit of the District would provide psychosocial support to students and teachers. Meanwhile, the GES is collaborating with the District Security Council (DISEC) and other security agencies to ensure safety as investigations continue.The GES encouraged the people of Garu to remain calm and support efforts to restore peace to the school environment. Media reports indicated that four men on two motorbikes entered the town on October 20 and opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic. Victims included a National Health Insurance Authority staff member, a bystander, a mentally unstable man, and Mr Bukari Yahaya, the headteacher.