Greater Accra Armed Forces recruitment exercise resumes Thursday
The Ghana Armed Forces has announced that the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region, which was suspended last week, resumes on Thursday, November 20, this week.
It said as part of measures to ensure a seamless process, the screening would be done at eight sub-centres within five locations - El-Wak Stadium, which would host two centres; Nicholson Park; Burma Camp, two centres; Air Force Base, Burma Camp; Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Teshie, two centres, and the Eastern Naval Command, Tema.
A press release issued in Accra yesterday said all qualified applicants in batches of 600 persons would each receive an SMS specifying their reporting dates, batches and designated centres.
“They are also encouraged to check on the recruitment portal for updates. Applicants are strongly advised to strictly adhere to these instructions.
“Any qualified applicant who does not receive a text message by Thursday, November 20, should call the helpline on mobile number 0256405104, or WhatsApp on 0256405154 for assistance,” the statement added.
Applicants could also verify from the recruitment portals.
Last Wednesday morning, a stampede at the El-Wak Stadium, where GAF was conducting a recruitment exercise, led to the death of six people, with several others injured.
The deceased were six young women who were among the 34 stampede victims rushed to the 37 Military Hospital on that fateful Wednesday morning, when about 21,000 young men and women thronged the venue for preliminary screening for possible enlistment into the various arms of the GAF.
A statement issued by the GAF said preliminary investigations indicated that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed toward the gate at 06:20 hours, ahead of the scheduled screening.
Due to the unfortunate incident, the Ministry of Defence suspended the recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region indefinitely.
The Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who announced the suspension on the floor of Parliament, explained that it was to ensure further measures were instituted for a seamless process.
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Brogya Genfi, also announced that one family member of each of the six victims who lost their lives would be given the opportunity for automatic enlistment into GAF, should they express interest.
Following the incident, there have been calls from various security experts for the recruitment exercise in the regions to be decentralised to prevent a similar incident.
Caution
In line with the new measures, families and friends have been cautioned not to accompany potential recruits to the screening centres to reduce congestion.
It said non-applicants would not be allowed entry to any of the centres.
Touching on the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede, the statement said, it was to allow for fair and transparent investigations by the board.
Meanwhile, the entire Greater Accra Recruitment team has been replaced.
The statement said Commodore F. A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko and Colonel G.B. Eduah had taken over as Director-General, Human Resource, Director, Manpower and Director, Information Technology.
“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that anyone found culpable from the inquiry will be sanctioned accordingly.
“The Ghana Armed Forces regrets the unfortunate incident and extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, and also wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” it said.
Highlight
Families and friends have been cautioned not to accompany potential recruits to the screening centres to reduce congestion. Non-applicants will also not be allowed entry to any of the centres.
