Akufo-Addo mourns victims of military recruitment tragedy

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has conveyed his deep sorrow regarding the tragic loss of six young Ghanaian ladies during a military recruitment event at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra on Thursday, November 12, 2025.

The unfortunate incident occurred when a stampede erupted among thousands of applicants aspiring to join the Ghana Armed Forces, resulting in six fatalities and numerous others in critical condition.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the former president stated, “I returned from Angola to the devastating news of the tragic deaths of six potential recruits into the Ghana Armed Forces, with several others receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries sustained from the incident at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra”.

“I convey to the bereaved families my deep condolences and wish the potential recruits in hospital a rapid recovery from their injuries, and indeed, from the accompanying trauma to all who were at the El-Wak Stadium, their parents or guardians, and their loved ones.

“It is my hope that each day will bring you renewed strength. May the Lord be with us all at this difficult moment,” the statement further expressed.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has mandated the suspension of military recruitment in Accra, while the Acting Defense Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has promised a comprehensive investigation into the incident.