The Government of Ghana has pledged full support to the victims and families affected by the El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede that occurred during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Speaking before Parliament, the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and assured that medical care and financial assistance will be provided to all affected individuals.
“Mr Speaker, government has decided to support the victims of the incident,” Dr Forson announced, adding that a committee will be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Six Dead, Dozens Injured in Recruitment Stampede
The stampede, which occurred at about 6 a.m., claimed six lives and left several others injured. The victims were among thousands of applicants who had gathered at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra for the nationwide GAF recruitment exercise.
According to eyewitnesses, over 2,000 applicants formed long queues stretching from the 37 Military Hospital bus stop to the stadium gates, causing heavy congestion. When the gates were eventually opened, a sudden rush by desperate candidates triggered chaos, leading to the deadly stampede.
“We can confirm that six people lost their lives, not twelve as being reported,” clarified Brigadier General Evelyn Abraham-Kwabiah, Commander of the 37 Military Hospital.
Hospital authorities say the injured are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital, with some in critical condition. Families of the deceased are yet to be officially notified as identification continues.
President Mahama Visits Victims
Following the tragedy, President John Dramani Mahama paid a visit to the victims and their families at the 37 Military Hospital. He was accompanied by the Acting Defence Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and senior members of the military high command, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and service chiefs.
The President expressed his condolences and assured Ghanaians that the government is committed to ensuring justice, accountability, and improved safety protocols in future recruitment exercises.
GAF Suspends Recruitment Exercise
In the wake of the tragedy, the Ghana Armed Forces has suspended the nationwide recruitment exercise to allow for thorough investigations. Applicants who were unable to take part in the screening have been asked to return on November 13, 14, and 15, depending on their recruitment category.
Despite the suspension, hundreds of hopeful applicants continue to camp around the El-Wak Sports Stadium, expressing frustration and fear over possibly missing their chance.
“We don’t trust the process. If we go home, we might miss our chance,” one applicant told TV3.
Security personnel reportedly used “minimum force” to control the crowd, but their efforts were overwhelmed by the continuous arrival of more applicants.
Public Outcry and Calls for Reform
The incident has sparked widespread public debate over crowd control, safety measures, and communication failures during major public recruitment events. Many have called on the Ghana Armed Forces and other state institutions to review their logistics, planning, and coordination strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The GAF recruitment exercise remains one of the most sought-after opportunities in Ghana, attracting tens of thousands of young people annually seeking stable employment and national service. However, the latest incident has exposed critical lapses in safety management during large-scale recruitment drives.
Authorities have assured that safety protocols will be reviewed before resuming the exercise.
Key Facts
- Date of Incident: November 12, 2025
- Location: El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra
- Fatalities: 6 confirmed dead
- Injuries: Several, including critical cases
- Cause: Stampede during GAF recruitment
- Government Response: Support for victims and families; committee to investigate
- Exercise Status: Suspended pending investigation
