Ghana Army Explains Cause of Tragic El Wak Stampede, Blames Applicants for Breaching Protocols
- The Ghana Armed Forces explained the cause of the El Wak stampede that killed six on November 12
- President John Mahama called the deaths from the stampede a heartbreaking loss in an address following the incident
- Mahama also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the deadly stampede
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The Ghana Armed Forces has blamed the tragic El Wak stampede on the breach by applicants who allegedly breached security protocols.
The stampede before the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra, has claimed at least six lives and injured 28.
Source: Facebook
In a statement, the service said preliminary investigations indicate that the November 12 stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of the scheduled screening.
There were thousands of applicants at the stadium. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.
The Ghana Armed Forces assured that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals. Meanwhile, 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. Further updates will be communicated."
Mahama's comments on the El Wak stampede
President John Mahama has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic deaths.
Addressing the gathering at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 12, the president described the incident as a heartbreaking loss
He also revealed that all six victims were female applicants.
“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."
Before this address, Mahama visited casualties receiving medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.
He also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the deadly stampede and emphasised the need for enhanced safety measures during public recruitment exercises and national events.
How many people does the army want to recruit?
The army is targeting the recruitment of 12,000 new personnel into the Ghana Armed Forces over the next three years.
Deputy Defence Minister, Brogya Genfi, first noted that the cost of recruitment forms will be reduced by more than 40% compared to the previous exercise.
He assured that the process would be transparent and strictly merit-based, and also warned against falling for fraudulent recruitment schemes.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana army shares eligibility requirements
YEN.com.gh reported that to enter the army, each applicant must:
- Be a Ghanaian citizen by birth
- Be of good character
- Be not less than 18 years of age and not more than 25 years for non-tradesmen, and not more than 27 years for tradesmen by 30 December 2025
- Be medically fit by Armed Forces standards
- Be unmarried
- Be unbonded
- Be of a minimum height of 1.68m (5'6") for males and 1.57m (5'2") for females. For Military Police only; be of a minimum height of 1.75m (5'9") for males and 1.70m (5'7") for females
Source: YEN.com.gh
