Following a fatal stampede on Wednesday morning, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have temporarily halted their recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra.
The halt, which only applies to today’s session, is part of an urgent examination of safety procedures following the deaths of six prospective recruits and the injuries of numerous more, according to officials.
The hiring procedure has now been divided into sections for each branch of the armed forces. The Navy and Army examinations are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, respectively, while the Air Force screening will resume on Thursday, November 13.
According to authorities, the action is intended to stop additional deaths during the ongoing recruitment process for 2025–2026.
Additionally, officials reported that the large number of applicants significantly disrupted the venue’s internet connectivity, which added to the uncertainty and delays that ultimately resulted in the process’s temporary halt.
The GAF said in a statement that the exercise was halted to allow for a thorough evaluation of crowd control and safety protocols.
According to the announcement, “the Ghana Armed Forces has temporarily suspended today’s recruitment activities at the El-Wak Stadium to review safety measures and ensure the well-being of applicants.”
At around 6:20 a.m., a wave of candidates broke over security barricades and stormed through the gates, resulting in the deaths of at least six prospective recruits and the injuries of several others, according to GAF authorities. There have been 28 documented casualties.
“A tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium, where the Ghana Armed Forces is conducting its recruitment exercise, has led to the death of six potential recruits, many others have been injured and are receiving medical attention.”the GAF confirmed.
According to preliminary findings, the stampede was caused by an unanticipated influx of candidates who broke through security measures and hurried into the stadium before the scheduled screening time.
President John Dramani Mahama visited the tragedy victims at Accra’s 37 Military Hospital in the interim. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Acting Minister of Defence, and representatives of the military high command accompanied him.
The President informed the public that steps are being taken to ensure that similar incidents do not occur during future national recruitment exercises and offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased.
Source: newsthemegh.com