At least six people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a stampede that occurred during a military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday.
The Ghana Armed Forces disclosed the tragic incident in a statement signed by the Acting Director-General of its Public Relations Directorate, Colonel Evelyn Asamoah.
According to the statement, the stampede happened in the early hours of Wednesday when a large crowd of applicants breached security barriers and forced their way into the stadium before the official start of the recruitment screening.
“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, 12th November 2025, at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra,” the statement read in part.
“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,” Asamoah added.
Eyewitnesses said hundreds of hopeful recruits had gathered at the stadium as early as 2 a.m., with long queues stretching into nearby streets. Videos circulating on social media captured chaotic scenes as some applicants fell and were trampled during the rush to gain entry.
Colonel Asamoah confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, while efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the deceased.
“The unfortunate incident led to the death of six potential recruits and many others injured. Medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise those affected, and arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased,” she said.
She expressed the Armed Forces’ condolences to the bereaved families and assured that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause and prevent a recurrence.
“The Ghana Armed Forces extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” Asamoah stated.
The recruitment exercise, which attracted thousands of young Ghanaians seeking entry into the military, has now drawn public concern over crowd control and safety measures during national enlistment processes.
