GAF recruitment tragedy: Gov’t to replace deceased with eligible relatives

The government has directed the families of the six applicants who died in the El-Wak Stadium stampede on Wednesday to provide the names of eligible relatives for recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), as announced by officials.

This tragic event took place during a recruitment exercise when hundreds of eager applicants surged into the stadium for documentation and body selection, resulting in a fatal rush that resulted in six deaths and numerous injuries.

During a visit to one of the grieving families in Eyan Maim, Central Region, Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Gyamfi stated that President John Dramani Mahama has mandated that each affected family be granted an automatic recruitment opportunity.

Meanwhile, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, characterised the incident as profoundly sorrowful and assured that the government will ensure dignified burials for the six victims in recognition of their service.

A preliminary investigation by the GAF suggests that the stampede was instigated when applicants violated security protocols and rushed through the gates prematurely.

The government’s initiative seeks to honor the memories of those who lost their lives while striving to serve their nation and to reassure families of its dedication to their well-being.