GNAT demands gov’t support for family of slain Garu headteacher

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on the government, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Ministry of Education to respond without any delay for the wife and three children of Yahaya Bukari, the headteacher who was killed in the recent shooting incident that happened at Garu in the Upper East Region.

During the Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the GNAT  National President Rev. Isaac Owusu said the association has sent representatives to visit the bereaved family to show support and compassion and gather details of the funeral arrangements.

He stated that “The late teacher was buried in accordance with Islamic customs on Monday. We have sent a delegation to meet the family and express our condolences. But beyond that, the GES and the Ministry of Education must come out publicly to declare what kind of support they will give to the family.”

Rev. Owusu showed serious worry over the rate at which violence is increasing in Garu and neighbouring areas. He  described them as “war zones” where by innocent civilians, including teachers, continue to suffer.

Rev. Owusu stated that “We cannot understand why these shootings and killings keep escalating while innocent people are affected. When Major Mahama died in the line of duty, something was done for him; likewise, the helicopter crash victims. So in this case, the government must also honour Mr. Bukari for his sacrifice.”

Rev. Owusu added that GNAT would not allow their members to go back to classrooms in Garu until peace and safety are firmly in place.

Rev. Owusu highlighted that “If we always wait for people to die before security is heightened, then GNAT cannot ask our members to go to school.”

Mr. Bukari, who also served as the GNAT district treasurer, allegedly lost his life when he was trying to protect his students during the attack that claimed four lives and left several others injured.

Four armed men who was riding two motorcycles entered the town and opened fire without targeting anyone in particular close to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office in the Upper East Region.

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