President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of six young women during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi on Wednesday, the President described the loss as “a heartbreaking tragedy for the entire nation,” noting that all six victims were female applicants who had gone to the venue hoping to serve their country.
“The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition,” President Mahama said.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
President Mahama called for a thorough investigation into the incident, urging authorities to review and improve safety procedures for future recruitment exercises and other large public gatherings.
The deadly stampede occurred on Wednesday morning, when thousands of job seekers crowded the El-Wak Sports Stadium for the 2025/2026 Armed Forces recruitment.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, six women died and several others were injured. The injured are being treated at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
GAF has since suspended the recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region to allow for investigations and additional safety measures. The process in other regions, however, continues as planned.
