A tragic stampede occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise, resulting in the deaths of at least six people. The incident happened on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, as thousands of young Ghanaians gathered at the stadium, hoping to secure enlistment. The overwhelming turnout and intense jostling at the entry points led to chaos, causing multiple injuries and fatalities.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while injured individuals are receiving treatment at the facility’s casualty ward. Security personnel have cordoned off the area, blocking major roads to maintain order and facilitate rescue operations. The GAF had extended the recruitment period due to technical challenges on the recruitment portal, and later announced a rescheduling of the screening for applicants to the Air Force, Navy, and Army.
Authorities have not officially commented on the stampede, but preliminary reports suggest poor crowd control and the large turnout contributed to the disaster. Investigations are expected to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy, aiming to prevent similar incidents in future recruitment exercises.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
