Dr. Apaak extends condolences to victims of GAF recruitment stampede

Deputy Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abass Apaak, has expressed sorrow over the deadly stampede that occurred during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.

In a brief message posted on his Facebook wall, Dr. Apaak wrote, “Terrible! We pray for the souls of the departed aspiring military recruits and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

His message follows confirmation that at least six people have died and dozens sustained injuries in the tragic incident.

According to eyewitnesses, the stampede began at dawn when thousands of anxious applicants surged toward the entrance after the gates were opened for the screening and documentation phase of the nationwide recruitment. Many had queued since 2 a.m., hoping to secure a chance in the exercise, which aims to recruit about 12,000 personnel into the Army, Navy, and Air Force over the next three years.

Security personnel and medical teams from the 37 Military Hospital responded swiftly, transporting the injured to the emergency ward while the deceased were sent to the hospital’s morgue.

The tragedy occurred shortly after the GAF extended the nationwide recruitment exercise by one week due to technical challenges on its online portal.

In a statement signed by Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the GAF said the extension was to give all qualified applicants the opportunity to complete their applications.

Following the incident, the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced that a board of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede.

“The Ministry of Defence deeply mourns the loss of lives and stands with the affected families. We are working closely with the Armed Forces, medical teams, and law enforcement to ensure the victims receive all necessary assistance,” Dr. Forson said in Parliament.

He assured that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, focusing on accountability and safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies in future recruitment exercises.

Military police have since cordoned off the El-Wak Stadium, restricting access to maintain order and allow rescue and investigative operations to proceed smoothly.

While the GAF has suspended recruitment activities in Accra pending the outcome of the inquiry, screening exercises in other regions are continuing as planned.

The El-Wak tragedy has drawn widespread calls for proper management protocols during such recruitment exercises.