Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Energy Minister
Former NPP presidential running mate and former Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragedy at the El Wak Stadium, describing it as another painful blow to the nation’s spirit.
The tragic incident, which occurred during a recruitment exercise at the El Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on November 12, 2025, left several young Ghanaians dead and many others injured.
The victims, mostly youth seeking enlistment into the nation’s security services, were reportedly caught in a stampede when the crowd surged beyond control.
In a heartfelt message shared on his official Facebook page, Dr Opoku Prempeh popularly known as Napo lamented the loss of young Ghanaians who had gathered at the stadium with hopes of serving their country, only to meet tragedy instead.
“This year has brought too many painful losses to our nation and the tragedy at the El Wak Stadium deepens that sorrow,” he wrote.
According to him, it is heartbreaking that “young men and women simply seeking a chance to serve their country should never return home in pain or not return at all.”
Dr Opoku Prempeh extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones and my prayers are with those injured,” he added.
The former minister further urged the country to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“As a nation, may we find wisdom, compassion and urgency to make reforms that ensure such tragedies never happen again,” he concluded.
The post, which ended with the hashtags #InHonourAndMemory, #WithOurOwnHands, #HopeForGhana, and #FaithInService, has drawn widespread attention online, with many Ghanaians sharing in his grief and calling for accountability over the incident.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh calls for leadership renewal after NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat
The tragedy at the El Wak Stadium has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures at public recruitment and mass gathering events.
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
Watch the promo to GhanaWeb's latest documentary, which uncovers the evolution of ‘kayamata,' an exploitative practice fueled by love charms and manipulation, titled, “The Dark Side of Kayamata,' below:
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let's Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
Copyright © 1994 - 2025 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
