BREAKING: Six reported dead over stampede during military recruitment exercise

Six people have died in a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium during the military recruitment exercise.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, has been attributed to an unexpected surge in the number of applicants who thronged the stadium.

Reports indicate that applicants breached security protocols and rushed the stadium gates even before the scheduled start of the exercise.

In an official statement confirming the incident, the Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, said:

"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 scheduled screening at about 0620 hours," the GAF said.

The statement also disclosed that several other recruits sustained injuries and have since been rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for medical treatment.

"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," the GAF clarified.

The Armed Forces added that the families of the deceased are being contacted, with efforts underway to provide support.

"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," the GAF concluded.