Six deaths have been confirmed following Wednesday’s stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on November 12, 2025.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced six deaths before the situation escalated.
Several victims are currently in the Intensive Care Unit receiving critical care. Military officials report that the stampede began when thousands of young Ghanaians crowded the stadium in a frantic attempt to secure enlistment into the GAF.
The massive turnout, combined with heavy pushing at the access points, triggered widespread panic, leaving many injured and others dead.
All 6 bodies have been transferred to the morgue at the 37 Military Hospital, where many of the injured are also undergoing emergency treatment. Security forces have since cordoned off the stadium, blocking major routes leading to the area to restore order and support rescue efforts.
The incident occurred during an extended recruitment period announced by the GAF. The exercise, originally set to end on October 31, 2025, had been prolonged by one week to assist applicants affected by technical problems with the online recruitment system.
In a statement signed by Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the military explained that the extension was necessary to accommodate those who faced challenges earlier in the process.
Authorities have not yet issued a formal comment on the stampede, but early accounts point to inadequate crowd control and an overwhelming turnout as key factors behind the tragedy.
A full investigation is expected to determine the events that led to the incident and to recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in future recruitment exercises.
