Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has partly blamed the recent El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede on what he describes as a leadership vacuum at the Ministry of Defence following the death of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash.
The tragedy, which occurred during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise, has left at least six people dead and several others injured.
Rev. Fordjour criticised the government for failing to appoint a substantive Minister for Defence, saying the situation had created what he called “a dangerous administrative vacuum” that contributed to the mishap.
“It is so sad that when the Minority constantly gives suggestions that need to be taken into consideration, all in the name of goodwill, it is not considered.
“We are talking about the Defence Ministry. For three months, there has been no proper leadership at the ministry, and we have said it again and again: appoint a substantive Minister for Defence to ensure proper leadership. No seriousness was added to it”
Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee
Hon. Rev. Fordjour warned that the absence of a substantive minister was “very dangerous and risky,” arguing that such a gap undermines coordination, particularly in sensitive operations such as military recruitment.
According to him, a properly constituted leadership at the ministry could have provided oversight to ensure a well-organised recruitment process, potentially averting the El-Wak tragedy.
He further criticised the decision to assign Finance Minister Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as acting Defence Minister, arguing that the dual role compromises effective supervision and decision-making.
“The Finance Minister is busy thinking about the budget he is going to present to Parliament tomorrow.
“The Ministry of Finance is a very complex portfolio, one of the largest in any country, and if you appoint the Finance Minister as an acting Defence Minister, knowing the workload on him, and expect proper leadership, then you’re being disingenuous and not faithful to your people”
Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee
Rev. Fordjour urged President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive minister immediately to restore stability within the Defence Ministry and prevent similar lapses.
President Mahama Visits Victims
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama visited victims of the stampede at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to assess their condition and the progress of medical response efforts, receiving firsthand briefings from medical officers on the treatment of the injured and ongoing support for affected families.
The President was accompanied by acting Defence Minister Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and members of the military high command.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the stampede occurred when thousands of young Ghanaians converged at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in a desperate attempt to secure enlistment into the military.
The large crowd reportedly overwhelmed the available entry point, leading to intense pushing and chaos that resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities.
GAF officials confirmed that the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue while 12 remain in critical condition, including five in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Security personnel have cordoned off the area, with roads leading to the stadium closed to maintain order and facilitate rescue operations.
Recruitment Exercise Suspended
In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces announced the suspension of the ongoing recruitment exercise. “The Ghana Armed Forces has suspended the recruitment exercise scheduled for the El-Wak Sports Stadium on November 12, 2025,” the statement read.
According to GAF, the decision was taken due to internet disruptions and safety concerns after the chaotic scenes that turned fatal.
The recruitment, which had been extended by a week beyond its original October 31 closing date, faced major logistical challenges, including poor crowd management and limited access control.
Rev. Fordjour’s comments have intensified public discussion over the government’s administrative response and accountability following the Defence Ministry’s leadership vacuum. His call for an immediate ministerial appointment adds political weight to ongoing demands for better coordination between the Armed Forces and civilian oversight institutions.
As investigations continue, the government has assured the public that measures are being taken to support the victims and review recruitment procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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