Families of the six applicants who tragically lost their lives in Wednesday’s El‑Wak Stadium stampede have been assured automatic slots in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for qualified relatives, government officials announced.

The tragic event occurred during a recruitment exercise when hundreds of hopeful applicants surged into the stadium for documentation and body selection, resulting in a deadly rush that claimed six lives and left many injured.

Deputy Defence Minister Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi visited one of the bereaved families at Enyan-Maim in the Central Region and conveyed directives from President John Dramani Mahama regarding the aftermath of the incident.

“The President has sent us to inform you that the State will stand with the families in the burial and funeral arrangements for the families. The President has also asked us to inform you that the families of all those who wanted to wear the military uniform but died in the process should present a replacement for those people to be absorbed into the military.
“So, the authorities representing the government in the region will engage you in that regard for the family to decide on who can be enrolled into the military”
Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Defence Minister

Beyond families having the opportunity to nominate eligible relatives to fill the vacant slots left by their loved ones in the Armed Forces, the Deputy Minister confirmed that the recruitment exercise in Accra has been temporarily suspended by the President, with new measures being put in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Preliminary investigations by the Ghana Armed Forces indicate that the stampede was triggered when applicants breached security protocols and rushed through an open gate ahead of schedule. The breach led to a surge that caused some people to fall on the ground as others trampled on them, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries.

Gender Minister Assures Families of Support

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, who was also present, described the incident as deeply heartbreaking and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the affected families.

“The government wants you to know that you’re not in this alone; the whole nation is affected. Your children also belong to the State. The President wants you to know that he’s standing with you in this period of mourning.
“You’re not alone. His Excellency John Mahama stands with you through this painful period”
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection

Hon. Lartey reiterated the government’s pledge to cover all costs related to the burials of the deceased, who all happen to be females as established by investigative findings – as well as the medical care of those injured, until they fully recover.

The gesture by the government seeks to honour the memories of those who perished in the line of aspiring national service. It also reassures families of the state’s commitment to their welfare and acknowledges the sacrifice of citizens pursuing a career in national defence.

Deputy Defence Minister Hon. Genfi stressed that the State will continue to engage families to determine the most suitable candidates for recruitment, ensuring that the wish to serve the country of the deceased applicants is carried forward.

“The President has asked us to ensure that all those who perished while seeking to serve the nation are commemorated properly and that their families are supported to maintain their dignity and fulfil the aspirations of their loved ones”
Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Defence Minister

The government’s swift intervention is intended to restore public confidence in the recruitment process while providing tangible support to grieving families.

By offering automatic slots for family members and assuming full responsibility for the care of the injured, the administration seeks to demonstrate compassion and uphold the principle that citizens who aspire to serve their country are valued and protected.

The El‑Wak stampede has prompted a review of safety and security measures for all future recruitment exercises. The Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces are collaborating to ensure orderly procedures that prevent such tragedies.