The Ministry of Education has strongly condemned the shooting incident at Zohe Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Primary School in Yendi in the Northern Region, describing the attack as a serious threat to the safety of pupils, teachers and the wider educational community.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, the Ministry denounced the incident in which two armed men reportedly stormed the school premises and discharged firearms indiscriminately, causing fear and panic among pupils and members of staff.

Preliminary reports indicate that the gunmen allegedly assaulted the headmaster during the attack, leaving him with injuries. The motive for the attack remains unclear, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Ministry said the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Police Service to give the matter urgent attention and ensure a swift and comprehensive investigation to apprehend those responsible.

It stressed that schools must remain places of learning, safety and personal development, free from violence and intimidation.

"The Ministry wishes to emphasise that schools are sacred spaces dedicated to teaching, learning and the holistic development of children. Acts of violence, intimidation and the use of firearms on school premises are unacceptable and constitute a grave threat to the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and the entire educational community," the statement said.

The Ministry further called on members of the public to refrain from encroaching on school premises, emphasising the need to preserve educational institutions as secure environments where teaching and learning can take place without disruption.

Expressing sympathy to those affected by the incident, the Ministry said it stands in solidarity with the injured headmaster, pupils and staff of the school, and wished the headmaster a speedy recovery.

It also reassured parents, guardians and the general public that it would continue to collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to strengthen security in schools and safeguard learners and education personnel.

"The Ministry stands in solidarity with the affected pupils, staff and the injured headmaster and wishes him a speedy recovery. We further assure parents, guardians and the public that we will continue to work closely with the security agencies to ensure that all schools remain safe and secure environments for teaching and learning," the statement added.

The Ministry appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to cooperate fully with the Ghana Police Service to help bring the perpetrators to justice.