The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has appealed to the government, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ministry of Education to provide immediate assistance to the wife and three children of the late Yahaya Bukari, the headteacher who was tragically killed in the recent shooting incident at Garu in the Upper East Region.
GNAT’s National President, Rev. Isaac Owusu, stated that a delegation from the association has visited the bereaved family to express condolences and gather details about the funeral arrangements.
“The late teacher was laid to rest on Monday in line with Islamic customs. We have sent a delegation to sympathize with the family, but beyond that, we expect the GES and the Ministry of Education to publicly announce the kind of support they intend to provide for them,” Rev. Owusu said.
He expressed deep concern about the growing insecurity in Garu and surrounding communities, describing them as “war zones” where innocent civilians, including teachers, continue to suffer from unending violence.
“We don’t understand why these shootings and killings keep escalating while innocent people are caught in the crossfire. When Major Mahama lost his life in the line of duty, the state intervened; the same happened for the helicopter crash victims. Mr. Bukari also deserves to be honoured for his bravery and sacrifice,” he added.
Rev. Owusu further stated that GNAT would not encourage its members to resume teaching in Garu until sustainable peace and adequate security are guaranteed.
“If we always wait for people to die before acting on security concerns, GNAT cannot, in good conscience, ask our members to return to classrooms,” he cautioned.
Mr. Bukari, who also served as the GNAT District Treasurer, reportedly died while shielding his pupils during the attack that claimed four lives and left several others injured.
The tragic incident occurred when four armed men on two motorcycles invaded the town and opened fire indiscriminately near the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office in the Upper East Region.
