President John Dramani Mahama has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of six young women in a tragic stampede at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Describing the incident as “a heartbreaking loss” during the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme in Kumasi, President Mahama said the tragedy has shaken the nation.
He noted that the victims were determined young women who had come with hopes of serving their country.
“As they opened the gate, they all rushed in and some fell down, causing a stampede which led to six women dead and about 12 in critical condition. The heartbreaking news from the military is that six young women, who had come forward simply to serve their country, lost their lives in this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the 12 others who are still in critical condition,” the President said, offering his support and condolences to the families and the injured.
He assured that the government stands with those affected and has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede. President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for improved safety protocols during public recruitment exercises to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that six applicants died and 28 others were injured when a surge of recruits rushed the gates ahead of the scheduled screening. Medical teams at the 37 Military Hospital are providing emergency care, with 12 in critical condition and five admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
In response to the incident, the ongoing recruitment exercise has been suspended while authorities conduct a full review to ensure the safety of all applicants.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
