The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the resumption of its 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region, following a one-week suspension triggered by the tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium.
In a press release issued by the Department of Public Relations at Burma Camp, the military outlined a series of reforms meant to ensure a more efficient, safe, and transparent recruitment process as screening activities restart on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
According to the statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Navy, the suspension allowed the Armed Forces to review and reorganise the exercise after safety concerns emerged from the overcrowding that occurred during the earlier phase of recruitment.
As part of the revised measures, screenings for the Greater Accra Region will no longer be confined to a single location. Instead, applicants will now be processed at eight sub-centres spread across five major locations.
These includes two centres at the El-Wak Stadium, two more at Nicholson Park in Burma Camp, one at the Air Force Base also in Burma Camp, two at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Teshie, and one at the Eastern Naval Command in Tema.
“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 on the recruitment portal for updates.”
Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Navy
The Armed Forces urged applicants to follow these instructions precisely to avoid unnecessary delays or confusion. Those who do not receive text notifications by Thursday, 20 November, have been advised to call the official helpline or reach out via WhatsApp for assistance. Applicants may also verify their status on the recruitment portal.
This decentralisation, the GAF believes, will significantly reduce congestion and allow for a more seamless and orderly process. The GAF, however, emphasised that the success of the restructured process depends heavily on public cooperation.
Families, friends, and all non-applicants have been cautioned against accompanying potential recruits to any of the centres. “Non-applicants will not be allowed entry to any of the centres,” the release stressed, explaining that such restrictions are essential to keeping the centres decongested and maintaining a safe, controlled atmosphere throughout the screening period.
Action on El-wak Stampede
The Armed Forces also addressed the ongoing investigations into the stampede that necessitated the suspension of the recruitment exercise. A Board of Inquiry has already been tasked with establishing the circumstances that led to the incident, and according to the release, the inquiry is currently underway.
To ensure fairness, independence, and transparency, the entire Greater Accra Recruitment Team has been replaced pending the outcome of the investigations.
The statement announced new leadership appointments to key roles in the recruitment chain: Commodore F.A. Nyarko now serves as Director General Human Resource, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko takes over as Director of Manpower, and Colonel G.B. Eduah assumes the role of Director of Information Technology.
This decision, according to the GAF, reflects its commitment to accountability and to restoring confidence in the recruitment process. In assuring the public of its dedication to justice, the GAF stated clearly that the findings of the Board of Inquiry will not be taken lightly.
“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that anyone found culpable by the Inquiry will be sanctioned accordingly,” the statement stressed, underscoring the Armed Forces’ commitment to accountability.
Beyond procedural changes, the release also expressed the Armed Forces’ heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by the stampede. The GAF described the incident as “unfortunate” and extended its condolences to the bereaved families while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
All individuals injured during the incident will continue to receive free medical treatment at the 37 Military Hospital until they fully recover. As further support, the GAF announced a special recruitment package for the injured applicants once they recover, as well as for families who lost relatives during the tragic event.
Captain Arhin’s statement concluded by appealing for continued cooperation from the general public as the recruitment exercise resumes under its revised framework.
The GAF believes that with the new structure in place—and with collective commitment from all stakeholders—the recruitment process will be safer, more efficient, and conducted with the discipline expected of the nation’s military institution.
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