The government has asked families of the six people who died in Wednesday’s stampede at the El-Wak Stadium to submit the names of qualified relatives for recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The victims were among hundreds of young applicants who had gathered for a military recruitment exercise when a sudden rush at the stadium entrance led to a crush that killed six and left many others injured.
Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi announced the government’s decision during a visit to one of the bereaved families at Eyan Maim in the Central Region. He said President John Dramani Mahama had directed that each affected family should receive “an automatic slot”.
“Due to what happened, the recruitment in Accra has been suspended by the President, so that we will ensure that measures are put in place to avoid a repeat of such incidents,” he said.
Mr Genfi added that the state would support all burial and funeral arrangements. “The President has sent us to inform you that the State will stand with the families… all those who wanted to wear the military uniform but died in the process, their families should present a replacement for those people to be absorbed into the military.”
He said regional authorities would work with each family “to decide on who can be enrolled into the military”.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the tragedy as “deeply heartbreaking” and said the government remained committed to giving the victims dignified burials.
“The government wants you to know that you’re not in this alone; the whole nation is affected. Your children also belong to the State,” she said. “The President wants you to know that he’s standing with you in this period of mourning… His Excellency John Mahama stands with you through this painful period.”
She added that medical costs for those injured and receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital were being fully covered by the government. “Those who require a befitting burial, he will stand with the support of the family… And those who are also recovering at 37 Military Hospital, the government is bearing all the cost until such time that they fully recover.”
