Ghana military recruitment turns deadly, six female applicants killed, 12 others injured
A stampede during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in the country’s capital city, Accra has left six female applicants dead and at least 12 others critically injured.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, November 12, as thousands of hopeful job seekers gathered at the stadium for the 2025/2026 GAF enlistment exercise. The large crowd reportedly overwhelmed entry points, leading to a chaotic stampede that resulted in the fatalities and multiple injuries.
President John Mahama, addressing the tragedy, described the deaths as "a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation."
“The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition,” Mahama said.
Recruitment exercise suspended
In response to the tragedy, President Mahama has directed the Armed Forces to temporarily suspend the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.
“I have asked the leadership of the Armed Forces to temporarily halt the recruitment exercise and conduct a full investigation. We must take a fresh approach to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not happen again,” he added.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the incident in an official statement, expressing deep regret and announcing the suspension of the Accra leg of the recruitment exercise.
"The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public that due to the fatal incident that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium this morning... the exercise in Greater Accra has been temporarily suspended. This is to allow for additional measures to ensure a seamless exercise," the statement read in part.
A Board of Inquiry has been constituted to investigate the events that led to the stampede.
Calls for safer recruitment measures
President Mahama emphasised the need for improved crowd management and safety planning for all future public recruitment or national mobilisation events.
Meanwhile, the injured receive treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
The military has assured the public that recruitment activities in the remaining 15 regions will continue under enhanced safety protocols.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
