Political scientist at the Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante has vehemently objected to the government’s decision to give recruitment slots to victims of the El-Wak military recruitment stampede.
He emphasized that as a traditionalist, he views the decision from the Ghanaian traditional perspective, noting that the situation is a very sensitive one.
He stated that in traditional homes, such compensations are not acceptable, as they have the potential to bring further challenges into families.
“Society doesn’t accept that. Even when you want to compensate them, people will tell you that that money is blood money, and I’m speaking as a traditionalist.
“In traditional homes these things are very sensitive. The least they can do is, you know, continue to console them, and they will find a way out.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Scientist, University of Ghana
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the death of six individuals and several other injuries on November …2025 that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
This incident occurred during a recruitment exercise where, as the armed force, an unexpected surge of applicants into the stadium led to a tragic stampede, causing these unfortunate deaths and injuries.
The president ordered that the process be halted in the Greater Accra region and the armed forces commission a board of inquiry to investigate the incident.
Also, the government has announced a decision to give recruitment slots to qualified family members of the deceased.
However, Dr. Asah-Asante is of the view that the decision by the government is inadmissible in the Ghanaian traditional context.
“The decision by the government that they are going to the homes to recruit, as it were, people from the deceased families—for me, it’s a no no no. When you lose a child, and supposing that child is the only child you have, who else do you want to recruit? Your sister’s child or who?”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Scientist, University of Ghana
“Who will sit down to enjoy, as it were, somebody’s death?” He further quizzed.
He emphasized that these legitimate questions he raised often cause more trouble in families than people may think.
He further admonished that irrespective of whoever or wherever that advice is from, government should “shy away” from it.
A Word of Advice
The political scientist also shared his thoughts on the recruitment processes of the Ghana Armed Forces, admonishing them to adopt measures that meet the needs of the evolving world.
He emphasized that inasmuch as the military is revered as a very important institution, it is clear that “the approach that they have used over the years has failed this time around.”
“So, I am happy with the measures that they have put in place, but I’m wondering, can that exercise be done in an enclosed area so that, you know, people are not exposed to the vagaries of the weather, rain or shine? That, for me, is worrying.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Scientist, University of Ghana
He further admonished that the military should engage in some introspection on the many proposals being proffered and come up with “meaningful” measures that can prevent these challenges of the approach that has always been used.
He emphasized that the deaths and injuries of the potential applicants were “completely needless.”
Dr. Asah-Asante also had the course to advise the Member of Parliament for Pusiga, Laadi Ayii Ayamba.
He expressed his dismay at the comments made by the Member of Parliament in the aftermath of the incident, emphasizing that “it is very insensitive and unfair to the families who are bereaved.”
“If you can’t support them in any way by way of condolences, you don’t add insult to what they are injured by. I think the woman owes those families an apology.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Political Scientist, University of Ghana
He emphasized that the apology is not just because the comments were unfair, but also because as a Member of Parliament, she represents her constituents.
This representation includes “their interests, aspirations, and everything of them” and should therefore not make room for comments of that nature.
He therefore expressed his hopes for better recruitment measures from the Ghana Armed Forces, as they continue to serve the nation in their best capacity.
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