According to an official statement issued by the Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, the incident occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m., just before the scheduled start of the screening process.
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.”
The GAF expressed deep regret over the loss of lives, describing the incident as “tragic and deeply saddening.”
The statement added, “The unfortunate incident led to the death of six potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.”
Military medical teams are reportedly working “tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals”, while arrangements are underway to formally notify the families of the deceased.
GAF further extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery while wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
Eyewitnesses at the stadium recounted scenes of confusion as large crowds gathered before dawn, eager to enter the venue. Some applicants reportedly scaled the fences when gates opened later than expected.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the recruitment exercise will be suspended or rescheduled following the incident. However, the Armed Forces assured the public that “further updates will be communicated.”
The GAF recruitment exercises typically attract thousands of applicants nationwide seeking to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force, making crowd control and safety a recurring concern at screening venues.
