What we know so far about deadly military recruitment stampede

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) began the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise across the country on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The process, which started with documentation and body screening, saw thousands of applicant’s throng various designated centres for the first phase of the recruitment exercise.

Reported incidents

There were reported cases of stampedes in both the Greater Accra Region and the Ashanti Region due to the large number of applicants who turned up for screening.

In the Ashanti Region, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium where applicants were undergoing screening, five people sustained injuries following a stampede.

The incident was confirmed by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene.

In the Greater Accra Region, a similar but more tragic incident occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, where six people lost their lives during the exercise.

Accra incident, what happened

According to reports, a stampede broke out at the El-Wak Stadium during the recruitment process due to overcrowding.

The situation reportedly escalated after military officials instructed some applicants to go home and return the following day. However, the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to chaos that resulted in the loss of six lives.

Number of deaths

Authorities have confirmed that six people died, all of whom were female applicants.

Other casualties

According to the Ghana Armed Forces, five individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the 37 Military Hospital, while twelve others remain in critical condition.

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue for preservation and further investigation.

President Mahama visits victims

President John Dramani Mahama visited the victims at the 37 Military Hospital on November 12, 2025, to check on their condition and offer his condolences.

He was accompanied by Acting Defence Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi and other government officials, including members of the military high command.



Speaker of Parliament visits victims, offers GH¢100,000 support

The Speaker of Parliament also visited the victims and donated GH¢100,000 to support their treatment and recovery.

Earlier in Parliament, the Speaker had called for the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister, following a heated debate in the House over the ongoing recruitment exercise.

President suspends Accra recruitment exercise

In response to the tragedy, President Mahama has suspended the ongoing military recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region until further notice.

The President has directed the Ghana Armed Forces to review and strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents in future recruitment activities.

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President Mahama visits 37 Military Hospital to console El-Wak stampede victims



Chaos at El-Wak: Watch citizens recount harrowing experiences during GAF recruitment



Ghana Armed Forces gives details of stampede which led to the death of six people



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