Families of El-Wak victims to receive automatic Armed Forces slots

Six bereaved families will receive automatic recruitment slots in the Ghana Armed Forces after the deadly stampede at El-Wak Stadium that claimed the lives of six female applicants, Deputy Defence Minister, Ernest Brogya Genfi has disclosed.

During a visit to the family of Priscilla Larbi in Enyanmaim, the deputy minister said the government had resolved to offer one slot to each affected family.

He conveyed his sympathies and encouraged residents of the community to rally around the grieving households, stressing that the gesture was meant to acknowledge their loss in a meaningful way.

“We are committed to ensuring that the families affected are represented, and we stand with them during this difficult time,” Mr. Genfi stated.

He assured the relatives that the ministry would maintain close contact with them as investigations into the incident progress.

Lydia Agyekum, mother of one of the victims, described the decision as a rare source of comfort. “I am grateful for the government’s decision to replace my son in the Security Service. It gives me hope amidst this tragedy,” she said.

The fatal stampede occurred on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when thousands of recruitment hopefuls rushed toward the main gates after they were opened at dawn.

Witnesses reported intense pushing as applicants, some of whom had queued since 2 a.m., surged forward in an attempt to secure early access to the screening arena.

Security personnel and medical responders from the 37 Military Hospital transported the injured to the emergency ward, while the deceased were sent to the morgue. Several applicants remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase.

The tragedy unfolded following an extension of the 2025/2026 GAF recruitment exercise, which was prolonged by one week to resolve technical difficulties on the online portal.

In a recent statement, the Armed Forces explained that the extension sought to accommodate eligible applicants who could not complete their submissions earlier.

A military enquiry to probe the cause of the stampede is underway, Acting Defence Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, told lawmakers on Wednesday.

The recruitment programme is expected to enlist about 12,000 personnel into the Army, Navy, and Air Force over the next three years.