The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that six people have died following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during an ongoing nationwide military recruitment exercise.
Initial reports had placed the death toll at 12, but the GAF later clarified that six fatalities had been officially confirmed after thorough medical assessment.
According to the military, 28 individuals were rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment. Out of this number, six were pronounced dead, five remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 12 others are in critical condition.
The tragedy unfolded when thousands of young Ghanaians converged on the stadium in an attempt to secure enlistment. The massive crowd and intense pushing at entry points resulted in chaotic scenes, multiple injuries, and loss of life.
Security personnel quickly moved in to cordon off the area, while military officers blocked key access routes around the stadium to maintain order and facilitate rescue operations.
The incident occurred amid an extended recruitment window announced by the GAF. The exercise, which was originally set to close on October 31, 2025, had been extended by one week following technical challenges on the recruitment portal.
In a statement signed by Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the GAF explained that the extension was introduced to allow applicants who faced difficulties during the initial phase to complete their applications.
“The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period,” the statement read.
Authorities have not yet provided further details on the cause of the stampede, but preliminary reports point to overcrowding and inadequate crowd control as contributing factors.
The GAF has pledged to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy and take steps to prevent a recurrence in future recruitment exercises.
