El Wak Stampede Deaths: Ntim Fordjour Calls for Suspension of Army Recruitment Nationwide
- Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour has demanded comprehensive action from the state following the El Wak stampede
- The stampede killed six people and injured 28 during the body inspection phase of the army recruitment exercise
- The Assin South legislator said that measures had to be put in place to allow for a thorough investigation of the incident
John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee in Parliament, has called for the immediate suspension of the military recruitment process nationwide following the stampede that killed six Ghana army applicants.
The Assin South legislator stressed to YEN.com.gh that this was necessary until proper measures are put in place to safeguard the lives of potential Ghana Armed Forces recruits.
Source: Facebook
He stated:
“Immediately, the process must be suspended across the country. Let us halt all the processes across the counter. Let us prioritise lives first.”
Forjour said the government needed to focus on an investigation to find the causes.
The stampede occurred after thousands of young Ghanaians thronged the stadium as part of the body selection exercises as part of the enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces.
In addition, he also suggested a staggered screening process to reduce the number of applicants at pressure centres.
"Let’s schedule a very reasonable optimum number of people every day. Spread them out, engage the public to know the particular timetable and schedule and communicate to potential recruits.”
Ghana army explains cause of El Wak stampede
The army blamed the stampede on the breach by applicants who allegedly breached security protocols.
The army stated that preliminary investigations indicate the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of the scheduled screening.
It also said 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."
According to reports, it was only after the stampede that personnel cordoned off the area, with the military blocking all major roads leading to El Wak Stadium to maintain order and facilitate rescue operations.
Source: Facebook
Mahama visits victims of the El-Wak stampede
President John Mahama visited the casualties receiving medical care after the stampede.
Several of the casualties were receiving care at the Intensive Care Unit of the 37 military hospital following the incident.
Mahama was accompanied by the acting Defence Minister and the Chief of Defence Staff, among others.
He subsequently called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the deadly stampede.
Army recruitment targets for Ghanaian government
YEN.com.gh also previously reported that the government is targeting the recruitment of 12,000 new personnel into the Ghana Armed Forces over the next three years.
Deputy Defence Minister, Brogya Genfi, noted at the time that the cost of recruitment forms would be reduced by more than 40% compared to the previous exercise.
He also gave assurances that the recruitment process would be transparent and strictly merit-based, and also warned Ghanaians against falling for fraudulent schemes.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
