Six Dead, Many Injured in Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment Stampede

At least six people have died following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise.

Thousands of young Ghanaians had gathered at the stadium hoping to secure enlistment into the military. Reports say the large crowd and intense jostling at entry points caused chaos, leading to multiple injuries and fatalities.

According to Citi News sources, the six deceased have been taken to the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while several others are receiving emergency treatment in the hospital’s casualty ward.

Security personnel have cordoned off the area, and the military has blocked major roads leading to El-Wak Stadium to maintain order and support rescue efforts.

The incident occurred during an extended recruitment period announced by the Ghana Armed Forces. The exercise, originally set to end on October 31, 2025, had been extended by a week due to technical problems with the recruitment portal.

In a statement, Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director General of Public Relations, explained that the extension aimed to accommodate applicants who faced difficulties during the initial phase.

Authorities have not yet officially commented on the stampede, but early reports suggest that poor crowd control and the overwhelming turnout contributed to the tragedy. Investigations are expected to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in future recruitment exercises.