Six dead, several injured in stampede at Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise
A stampede at the El Wak Stadium on Wednesday morning, where the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) was recruiting soldiers, has led to the death of six people with several others injured, the GAF has confirmed.
The injured persons are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital. Some are in critical condition.
In a statement confirming the tragic incident, the Ghana Armed Forces expressed deep regret about the stampede, which it said occurred prior to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today.
The exercise is happening simultaneously at various centres throughout Ghana.
According to the GAF, at the El Wak Stadium in Accra, preliminary investigation indicates that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed to the gate 06:20 hours ahead of the scheduled screening.
The unfortunate incident led to the death of six potential recruits, and many others were injured, the GAF said.
The injured are currently receiving medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.
Attached below is a copy of GAF statement
STAMPEDE DURING GHANA ARMED FORCES RECRUITMENT EXERCISE AT EL-WAK SPORTS STADIUM
The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede prior to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today, Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of the scheduled screening at about 0620 hours.
The unfortunate incident led to the death of 6 potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased.
The Ghana Armed Forces extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
Further updates will be communicated.
