At least six people have died in a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, thousands of young applicants rushed to the venue hoping to secure a slot in the ongoing recruitment. The massive turnout led to overcrowding at the entrances, causing panic and a stampede that left several others injured.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while dozens of victims are receiving treatment at the hospital’s emergency unit. Military and police officers quickly cordoned off the area and diverted traffic from all routes leading to the stadium to allow rescue teams to work safely.
The tragedy happened during an extended phase of the recruitment exercise, which the Ghana Armed Forces had prolonged by a week following technical challenges on its online portal. In a statement signed by Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director-General of Public Relations, the GAF explained that the extension was meant to help applicants who faced difficulties completing their applications earlier.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the stampede. However, early reports point to inadequate crowd management and the unusually large turnout as key factors behind the incident.
A full investigation is expected to begin to uncover the exact causes and prevent such incidents in future recruitment drives.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson