Ghana Armed Forces suspends recruitment exercise in Greater Accra following tragic stampede at El-Wak Stadium

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has temporarily suspended its ongoing 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region following the tragic stampede that claimed six lives and injured several others at the El-Wak Sports Stadium on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director General of Public Relations, Captain (Ghana Navy) Veronica Adzo Arhin, GAF expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the suspension was necessary to allow for a thorough review of safety measures to prevent a recurrence.

“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public that due to the fatal incident that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium this morning as part of the recruitment exercise, the exercise in Greater Accra has been temporarily suspended,” the statement read.

"This is to allow for additional measures to ensure a seamless and safe process.”

A Board of Inquiry has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, which occurred when a surge of applicants broke through security barriers, resulting in a deadly stampede.

While the recruitment process in the Greater Accra Region has been halted, GAF confirmed that screening in the remaining 15 regions will continue as planned.

“The Armed Forces deeply regrets any inconvenience this suspension may have caused the general public, particularly affected applicants,” the statement added.

"Applicants will be informed of the new date for the resumption of the process in due course.”

The tragedy has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a routine nationwide recruitment exercise, drawing thousands of hopeful young Ghanaians eager to serve their country.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith