The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of six potential recruits in a tragic stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise on Wednesday morning.
In a press release issued by the Department of Public Relations on November 12, 2025, GAF described the incident as having occurred prior to the official commencement of screening activities.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of scheduled screening at about 0620 hours,” the statement read.
The release, signed by Captain (Ghana Navy) Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, noted that many others sustained injuries in the chaos with the injured applicants currently receiving emergency medical treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.
“The unfortunate incident led to the death of 6 potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals.
GAF assured the public that arrangements are underway to notify the families of the deceased.
“Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased
The Ghana Armed Forces extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured,” the statement added.
Recruitment exercises for GAF have often attracted large crowds of young Ghanaians eager to join the military, with past events occasionally marred by overcrowding and logistical challenges at screening centres.
The El-Wak Sports Stadium serves as one of the key venues for such activities in the Greater Accra Region.