A tragic stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra has claimed the lives of six people during a military recruitment exercise held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The incident has left the nation in mourning as authorities investigate the circumstances that led to the chaos.
According to reports, an unexpectedly large number of applicants turned up at the venue, leading to overcrowding and a breach of security protocols. Witnesses say that before the scheduled start of the exercise, the eager crowd forced their way through the gates, triggering a stampede.
In an official statement, the Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede prior to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra,” she said.
Captain Arhin further explained that preliminary investigations revealed the stampede occurred around 6:20 a.m., following a surge of applicants who rushed into the gates ahead of the official screening.
Victims and Emergency Response
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that six potential recruits lost their lives, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured have been transported to the 37 Military Hospital for emergency medical care.
“The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals,” the statement added.
Condolences and Next Steps
Authorities are currently in the process of contacting the families of the deceased and have pledged to provide necessary support.
“Arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased. The Ghana Armed Forces extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured,” the GAF concluded.
The tragic event has raised serious concerns about crowd management and safety protocols during public recruitment exercises. Many are calling for improved coordination and stricter safety measures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Check Statement Below:
