At least six people were killed and dozens injured in a crowd crush at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra on Wednesday during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise, officials confirmed. The tragedy unfolded before the event officially began, when a massive crowd of hopeful applicants surged toward the stadium gates, overwhelming security personnel stationed at the entrance. Eyewitnesses reported that panic broke out as thousands rushed to secure entry, leading to chaos and trampling. The recruitment exercise had already drawn an unusually high turnout following a one-week extension of the application deadline, meant to help those struggling with the online registration system. The move inadvertently swelled the number of participants, as Ghana grapples with a youth unemployment rate estimated at 13%, and many see the military as one of the few stable career paths available.
Emergency services rushed the injured to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, where several victims remain in critical condition. Authorities have since cordoned off the area and tightened security to prevent further incidents as the recruitment process resumes under new crowd control measures. In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces expressed “deep sorrow” over the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families. The military also pledged a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the stampede, vowing to “review safety protocols to prevent a recurrence.” The incident underscores the desperation of Ghana’s unemployed youth, many of whom spend years seeking stable jobs amid limited opportunities in both public and private sectors.
