Garu Attack: Headteacher and Three Others Killed in Suspected Gunmen Assault

By
Ellis Ferdinand
-
Garu Attack: Headteacher and Three Others Killed in Suspected Gunmen Assault

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | October 21 | Garu Attack: Headteacher and Three Others Killed in Suspected Gunmen Assault

Four people, including a senior headteacher from Garu D/A Primary School and NHIA staff, have died following a gun-attack at the NHIA office in Garu, Upper East Region. Investigation underway.

Garu, Upper East Region — EducationGhana.org | October 20, 2025

Tragedy struck the town of Garu in Ghana’s Upper East Region this morning when gunmen riding on motorcycles opened fire at the premises of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office. At least four people were confirmed dead, including the headteacher of Garu D/A Primary School and treasurer of the local Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) branch, Yahaya Bukari.

The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath

According to official statements, the assailants — believed to be four armed men on two motorcycles — launched the attack at the NHIA office in Garu, targeting civilians and staff. The deceased included:
  • Headteacher Yahaya Bukari of Garu D/A Primary School & GNAT Treasurer
  • An NHIA staff member
  • A by-stander victim
  • A locally described “mentally unstable man”
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen opened fire without warning, creating chaos among staff and passers-by, some of whom ran for cover. Police and security forces have cordoned off the site and launched an investigation into the motive and identities of the attackers.

Impact on Education Community

The death of Yahaya Bukari is a severe blow to the local education community. He was the senior headteacher of Garu D/A Primary and also served as treasurer for the branch of GNAT in Garu-Tempane. His loss may affect operations at his school and raises concerns about the safety of education personnel in the region.In a statement, the Garu-Tempane District Assembly expressed deep shock and offered condolences to the bereaved families. The assembly also urged calm and cooperation with law enforcement as investigations proceed.

Investigation Underway; Security Elevated

Security officials confirmed they are tracking leads and examining available CCTV, witness statements, and bullet trajectories. The Garu District Commander of the Ghana Police Service has refused to rule out any motive, including potential personal vendettas, local disputes, or terrorism-linked violence.Local community leaders, including traditional authorities and youth groups, have called for heightened patrols and the disarming of illegal groups operating in the district, especially given past reports of weapon seizures in the area.

Call for National Attention

Education sector stakeholders have called on the national government and the Ministry of Education to protect teachers and administrative staff operating in vulnerable regions. They emphasised that the incident highlights threats to the safety of educators and the fragility of peaceful school-community operations in some districts.

Related Links

Related Internal Links

 
Related Links

👉 Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights on Ghana’s education system: educationghana.org/subscribe 📩 For partnerships and research support, contact: Ellisferdinand@ymail.com or Education.ghana@yahoo.com 

OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES
   

Discover more from EducationGhana

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

What's your take on this Latest Development?