The acting Minister for Defense, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced the institution of a Board of Inquiry by the Ghana Armed Forces to investigate the tragic incident involving officials of the Armed Forces and potential recruits at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
In a statement on the floor of Parliament, the minister assured the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this “unfortunate incident.”
The Ghana Armed Forces opened recruitment and enlistment applications in October 2025. The minister noted that the application process closed last Friday, 7th November 2025.
The Acting Minister for Defense in his statement to Parliament stated that “All potential applicants were duly notified to appear at their chosen regional recruitment centers for documentation verification today, Wednesday, 12th November, and body selection tomorrow, Thursday, 13th November 2025.”
“This year’s recruitment exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all regions—a novelty designed to decentralize the process, reduce congestion, and ensure fairness and accessibility nationwide.”
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Acting Defense Minister and Minister for Finance
However, in the Greater Accra Region, an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the stadium ahead of the scheduled time for the screening exercise as part of the recruitment process triggered a tragic stampede that led to the death of some applicants and injuries to several others.
“I regret to report that there were 34 persons who were direct casualties—some of whom are not potential recruits: 6 persons have been confirmed dead, 5 are critical and in ICU, 12 are fairly critical, and the rest are stable and under observation.”
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Acting Defense Minister and Minister for Finance
The Actin Defense Minister also stated that one individual was hospitalized at the Kumasi recruitment center. He, however, emphasized that the Kumasi incident is not in any way related to the stampede that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
The minister further stated that due to this unfortunate development at the Accra recruitment center, the Ministry of Defense has decided to suspend all recruitment processes in the Greater Accra Region till further notice.
He, however, assured parliament and the general public that “in all other regions, the recruitment exercise is progressing smoothly and without incident.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Ministry deeply mourns the loss of life and extends condolences to the affected families. We are working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces, medical teams, and law enforcement agencies to provide full support to the injured and to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Acting Defense Minister and Minister for Finance
In a separate statement by the Ghana Armed Forces, they also stated the constitution of the Board of Inquiry “to unravel the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident,” adding that “the process in the other 15 regions will, however, continue as scheduled.”
The Armed Forces emphasized deep regret over any inconvenience the suspension may have caused the general public, particularly affected applicants, adding that applicants will be informed of the date of resumption of the process later.
The minister also stated that the ministry considers the safety and dignity of all applicants its highest priority throughout the recruitment process, adding that the recent development calls for commitment to implementing comprehensive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
The Ministry assures citizens that every necessary step will be taken to safeguard the well-being of applicants and maintain order at all recruitment centers, noting that upholding respect and protection for applicants is central to the Ministry’s mission, and it will act decisively to reinforce these values.
The minister therefore assured the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces, medical teams, and law enforcement agencies to provide full support to the injured persons, as the board of inquiry investigates the circumstances that led to the tragedy in the Greater Accra Region.
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