At least six people have been confirmed dead following a tragic stampede during a military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in a statement signed by the Acting Director-General of Public Relations, Colonel Evelyn Asamoah, said the incident also left several applicants injured.
According to the statement, the stampede occurred early in the morning when an overwhelming crowd of prospective recruits breached security barriers and forced their way into the stadium ahead of the scheduled screening time.
Videos circulating on social media showed long queues of young men and women outside the venue, with reports indicating that many had arrived as early as 2 a.m. to secure a place in line.
“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 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium,” the statement read in part.
“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 the scheduled screening at about 6:20 a.m.,” it added.
Colonel Asamoah confirmed that six people died from the incident, while many others sustained varying degrees of injury. Medical personnel from the 37 Military Hospital were immediately deployed to provide emergency care.
“The injured are currently receiving treatment, and efforts are being made to notify the families of the deceased,” she said.
The Ghana Armed Forces extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
“The GAF extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured. Further updates will be provided in due course,” the statement concluded.
