The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the resumption of its 2025/2026 recruitment screening exercise in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, November 20, 2025, following a suspension triggered by a deadly stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium on Wednesday, November 12.
In a press release issued on Monday, November 17, 2025, GAF stated that the exercise will proceed at eight sub-centres across five locations to ensure a seamless and orderly process.
“All Greater Accra potential recruits are hereby informed that the Ghana Armed Forces 2025/2026 recruitment exercise within the Greater Accra Region, which was suspended last week, resumes on Thursday, 20 November 2025,” the statement said.
The designated venues include two centres each at El-Wak Stadium, Nicholson Park in Burma Camp, and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Teshie, as well as one each at the Air Force Base in Burma Camp and the Eastern Naval Command in Tema.
Qualified applicants, grouped in batches of 600, will receive SMS notifications specifying their reporting dates, batches, and assigned centres. They are also urged to monitor the official recruitment portal for updates.
Applicants who do not receive an SMS by November 20 are advised to contact the helpline on 0256405104 or WhatsApp 0256405154 for assistance. The military has warned that families and friends should not accompany recruits to the centres to avoid congestion, and non-applicants will be barred from entry.
“All qualified applicants, in batches of 600 persons, will each receive an SMS specifying their reporting dates, batches and designated centres. They are also encouraged to check the recruitment portal for updates. Applicants are strongly advised to strictly adhere to these instructions. Any qualified applicant who does not receive a text message by Thursday, 20 November 2025, should call the helpline on 0256405104 or WhatsApp 0256405154 for assistance. Applicants can also verify details on the recruitment portal. Families and friends are cautioned not to accompany potential recruits to the screening centres to reduce congestion. Non-applicants will not be allowed entry to any of the centres,” GAF said.
The suspension came after chaos erupted at El-Wak Stadium last Wednesday when thousands of eager applicants overwhelmed security, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. GAF has since established a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident and has replaced the entire Greater Accra Recruitment team in the interim.
Commodore FA Nyarko, Colonel F Kusi-Darko, and Colonel GB Eduah have assumed the roles of Director General Human Resource, Director Manpower, and Director Information Technology, respectively. The release assured that anyone found culpable will face sanctions.
“Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede is in progress. To allow for fair and transparent investigations by the Board, the entire Greater Accra Recruitment team has been replaced. Commodore FA Nyarko, Colonel F Kusi-Darko and Colonel GB Eduah have taken over as Director General Human Resource, Director Manpower, and Director Information Technology respectively. The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that anyone found culpable from the inquiry will be sanctioned accordingly,” the statement said.
GAF expressed profound regret over the tragedy, extending condolences to bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
“The Ghana Armed Forces regrets the unfortunate incident and extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, and also wishes the injured a speedy recovery. All injured will continue to receive free medical services at 37 Military Hospital until they recover. Additionally, a special recruitment package will be offered to all injured after full recovery and also to the bereaved families,” the statement added.
The military appealed for public cooperation to facilitate a successful exercise.