Speaking at the launch of the Nkoto Nkentekete programme in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 11, 2025, President Mahama described the incident as deeply unfortunate, noting that all the victims were female.

He wished a speedy recovery to those receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital and led attendees in observing a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.

The President called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy and urged authorities to strengthen safety measures during future public recruitment exercises and national events.

The stampede occurred when thousands of young Ghanaians gathered at the stadium in hopes of joining the Armed Forces. The overwhelming crowd and pushing at entry points caused chaos, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.

The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that six people died, while 28 others were admitted to the 37 Military Hospital. Five of the injured remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 12 are in critical condition.

The incident happened amid an extended recruitment period, which had been prolonged by one week beyond the original October 31, 2025, deadline to allow applicants who faced technical challenges to complete their submissions.

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Addressing Parliament, Dr. Forson confirmed that six persons have died, while five others remain in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He added that 12 victims are in fairly critical condition, with the remaining 34 casualties reported to be stable and under observation.

Dr. Forson explained that this year’s recruitment exercise was designed to be decentralized and simultaneously conducted across all regions to reduce congestion and ensure fairness. However, the unfortunate incident occurred despite safety measures that had been put in place.

“In light of these developments, the Ministry of Defence has halted the recruitment process in Accra until further notice,” Dr. Forson announced. He noted that the exercise in other regions is proceeding smoothly without incident.

The Acting Minister extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured Parliament that the Ministry is working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces, medical teams, and law enforcement agencies to support the injured and investigate the causes of the tragedy.

He further disclosed that the Ghana Armed Forces has constituted an internal Board of Inquiry to ascertain the circumstances that led to the stampede and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence.

“The safety and dignity of applicants remain paramount, and the Ministry will take every necessary step to ensure such a tragedy never happens again,” he emphasized.

The Ministry of Defence is expected to provide a detailed update to Parliament once investigations are concluded.

Brig. Gen. Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah, Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, provided the clarification after President John Mahama visited injured individuals at the facility. She noted that a total of 28 people were admitted to the hospital.

“I need to get something straight. There is erroneous information going out; the casualties we have that came in are 28. Those who are dead are six, not 12. Those who are critical and in ICU are five, 12 are fairly critical, and the rest are stable,” Brig. Gen. Abraham-Kwabiah stated.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2025, before the commencement of the scheduled GAF recruitment screening.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the stampede was caused by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security barriers and rushed through the gates around 6:20 a.m.

GAF has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

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In a statement issued by the Department of Public Relations at Burma Camp, the GAF expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday, November 12, 2025, before the start of the scheduled screening.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security barriers and rushed through the gates around 6:20 a.m.

The injured individuals are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.

“The Ghana Armed Forces extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement read.

The military further disclosed that arrangements are being made to formally notify the families of the deceased.

Read the full statement below:

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