- Six more deaths reported, bringing total fatalities to 12 at El-Wak Sports Stadium
- Several others are receiving emergency treatment in ICU
- Stampede occurred amid overwhelming turnout and poor crowd control during GAF recruitment
Six additional deaths have been reported following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a military recruitment exercise, raising the total fatalities to 12. Earlier, the military had confirmed six deaths.
Reports indicate that several others are currently in the ICU receiving treatment.
The military explained that the stampede occurred after thousands of young Ghanaians flocked to the stadium in an effort to secure enlistment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The large crowd, combined with intense pushing and jostling at entry points, led to chaos, causing multiple injuries and fatalities.
The bodies of the 12 deceased have been taken to the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while numerous others are receiving emergency care in the hospital’s emergency ward. Security personnel have cordoned off the area, and the military has blocked all major roads leading to El-Wak Stadium to maintain order and support rescue operations.
The tragedy happened during an extended recruitment period announced by the Ghana Armed Forces. Originally scheduled to end on October 31, 2025, the exercise had been extended by a week due to technical issues with the recruitment portal.
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 applicants affected by the portal challenges.
“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 officially commented on the stampede, but preliminary reports suggest that poor crowd control and the overwhelming turnout contributed to the disaster. Investigations are expected to determine the circumstances that led to the incident and to prevent similar tragedies in future recruitment exercises.
