The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the gruesome murder of Mr. Bukari Yahaya, the Headteacher of D/A Primary School in Garu and the District GNAT Treasurer in the Upper East Region.
According to a statement released by GNAT and signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Thomas T. Musah, Mr. Yahaya was shot and killed by unidentified assailants while attempting to protect pupils of his school. The incident occurred near the Garu District Health Insurance office, which had reportedly been besieged by gunmen.
The association described Mr. Yahaya’s death as a devastating loss to his family, the teaching fraternity, and the nation at large, noting that he died in the line of duty while ensuring the safety of his pupils. “Mr. Yahaya lost his life to those unidentified assailants who shot at him in his line of duty to his pupils, community, humanity, and Ghana at large,” the statement read.
GNAT condemned the killing “in no uncertain terms” and called on the security agencies to expedite investigations to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. The association also appealed to the Regional and District Security Councils, government agencies, and the general public to ensure the protection of teachers and all workers across the country.
“We call on the security apparatus and all concerned to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book with alacrity,” the statement emphasized, adding that teachers must be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
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The association further urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to provide counselling support for teachers and pupils of the affected school to help them cope with the trauma and distress caused by the tragedy. “We assure them that our hearts are with them as they go through this moment of anguish,” GNAT stated.
In its appeal to government, GNAT called for a coordinated national response to address and contain insecurity in Bawku, Garu, and other parts of the country affected by violent conflicts. “We call on Government to marshal all forces to address and contain the general insecurity in Bawku and its environs and all other areas elsewhere in the country facing similar situations. Never again should this happen to our Ghanaian compatriots!” the release declared.
The press statement concluded with a solemn tribute to the late headteacher, praying for the repose of his soul. “May the soul of our colleague, Mr. Yahaya, rest in perfect peace.”
The tragic killing of Mr. Bukari Yahaya has renewed public concern over the safety of educators and the need for stronger security measures in conflict-prone areas of the country.
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