In the wake of the tragic stampede that claimed six lives during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at El-Wak Sports Stadium, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called on President John Dramani Mahama to expedite the appointment of a substantive Minister of Defence.
The call came during parliamentary proceedings as the House discussed the incident, which saw 34 casualties, with some still in critical condition.
Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, informed Parliament that a military inquiry has been instituted to investigate the stampede.
Several Members of Parliament also weighed in on the tragedy. Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP and Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh urged that the recruitment exercise be halted to prevent further loss of life, while Ketu North MP Edem Agbana expressed sadness that the victims were young people seeking an opportunity to serve their country.
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul dismissed claims that recruitment exercises under the Nana Addo administration were not decentralized, suggesting that the high turnout reflected a search for employment rather than solely national service.
In response, Speaker Bagbin tasked the Defence and Interior Committee to monitor the military’s investigation and report back to Parliament.
He also emphasized that appointing a substantive Defence Minister would provide leadership to oversee reforms, strengthen safety protocols, and prevent future tragedies in the recruitment process.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
