Gov’t Offers Army Entry Opportunities to Relatives of El-Wak Stampede Victims

The government has directed the families of the six women who lost their lives in the El-Wak Stadium stampede to submit the names of qualified relatives for possible recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi made the announcement during a visit to the family of one of the victims at Eyan Maim in the Central Region, where he extended the government’s condolences.

He conveyed President Mahama’s decision to offer the bereaved families an automatic recruitment opportunity in honour of their relatives who died while attempting to join the military.

“Because of what happened, the President has suspended the ongoing recruitment process in Accra to ensure proper measures are put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again,” he said.

He added, “The President has instructed us to inform you that the State will support the families with burial and funeral arrangements. He has also directed that for those who died while trying to wear the military uniform, their families should present a replacement to be considered for enlistment.”

Regional government representatives will work with the affected families to select suitable candidates for recruitment.

The tragic stampede occurred after thousands of young Ghanaians rushed to the El-Wak Stadium to participate in the military enlistment exercise. Overcrowding and frantic pushing at entry points led to chaos, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.

The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that six people died, while 28 others were admitted to the 37 Military Hospital. Five remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 12 others are in critical condition.

Government has directed families of the six applicants who died in Wednesday’s El-Wak Stadium stampede to submit names of qualified relatives for recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces, Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Defense Minister.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/soWOpTqpBD

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) November 14, 2025

Source: Citinewsroom