GAF Recruitment: MP Toobu insists on ‘willing souls’ for automatic slots, not candidates seeking only salary

Following the tragic stampede at El-Wak during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise last week, which resulted in the deaths of six young aspirants, President John Dramani Mahama directed that the families of the deceased victims be offered an automatic recruitment slot or replacement in the armed forces.

However, the Vice Chair of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Peter Lanchene Toobu, has issued a strong caution against filling those slots with candidates who are merely seeking employment.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor on Sunday, November 16, the MP for Wa West warned that while he welcomed the President’s directive, the families must nominate a “willing soul to replace the six deceased, not someone who simply wants to earn a salary.”

Mr. Toobu stressed that military service transcends mere employment, emphasizing, “wearing the uniform is a calling and a service to the country.”

The lawmaker also used the tragic incident—which also left dozens injured as a “national wake-up call” and called for stronger planning, improved systems, and greater accountability within Ghana’s security services.

Mr. Toobu, while welcoming the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to set up an investigative committee, shared an update on the condition of the survivors.

He noted that the situation remained serious, with “Five still in ICU, [and] 12 are responding to treatment.”

He argued that responsibility for the stampede must be shared, stating, “The military could have done better. Planning as a country is something we have a challenge with. The Armed Forces cannot run away from the blame. All of us as Ghanaians should take the blame.”

To prevent a recurrence and restore public confidence, the MP urged the Armed Forces to urgently modernise their recruitment processes, including expanding centers, embracing digital systems, and ensuring better crowd management.