GAF resumes suspended recruitment exercise in Greater Accra on Nov. 20

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the resumption of its 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region, following a temporary suspension triggered by last week’s tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium.

According to a statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General of Public Relations, the exercise will restart on Thursday, 20 November 2025, with enhanced measures to ensure safety and a smooth screening process.

The GAF indicated that screening will now take place across eight sub-centres situated in five key locations as follows:

1. El-Wak Stadium – 2 centres

2. Nicholson Park, Burma Camp – 2 centres

3. Air Force Base, Burma Camp

4. Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Teshie – 2 centres

5. Eastern Naval Command, Tema

Qualified applicants will be processed in batches of 600, with each candidate receiving an SMS detailing their reporting date, batch number and assigned centre.

Applicants have also been encouraged to visit the GAF recruitment portal for updates.

The statement advises all candidates to strictly adhere to the instructions provided.

Applicants who do not receive an SMS by Thursday, 20 November, are to contact the helpline on 0256405104 or WhatsApp 0256405154 for assistance.

To reduce congestion, families and friends have been cautioned not to accompany applicants, as non-applicants will not be granted access to the screening centres.

Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede is ongoing. To ensure transparency, GAF has replaced the entire Greater Accra recruitment team.

Commodore F.A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko, and Colonel G.B. Eduah have assumed the roles of Director General Human Resource, Director Manpower, and Director Information Technology respectively.

The GAF reiterated its commitment to accountability, stating that “anyone found culpable will be sanctioned accordingly.”

The Armed Forces also expressed regret over the unfortunate incident, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

All injured persons will continue to receive free medical care at the 37 Military Hospital, with a special recruitment package promised for them upon full recovery, as well as for families of the deceased.

The statement concluded with an appeal for continued public cooperation as the recruitment exercise resumes under strengthened safety protocols.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith