Mahama Visits 37 Military Hospital After Deadly El-Wak Recruitment Stampede
President Assures Support for Victims and Families After Tragic Recruitment Exercise at El-Wak Stadium
- John Mahama visits 37 Military Hospital to check on victims of the El-Wak recruitment stampede.
- Six applicants confirmed dead, five in ICU, and 12 in critical condition, according to GAF.
- Stampede occurred after a surge of applicants breached security barriers ahead of screening.
President John Mahama has paid a visit to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra following the tragic stampede that claimed six lives during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium on Wednesday, November 12.
The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, was accompanied by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Acting Defence Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, and other senior government officials. The delegation was briefed by medical personnel on the condition of those receiving treatment and offered words of comfort to the injured and their families.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, 28 applicants were taken to the 37 Military Hospital after the incident. Six were confirmed dead, five are currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 12 remain in critical condition.
Preliminary reports suggest that most of the victims were young women.
In a statement, the GAF explained that the stampede occurred at about 6:20 a.m. when an unexpected surge of applicants broke through security barriers and forced their way into the stadium ahead of the scheduled screening process.
The Ghana Armed Forces extended its condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
President Mahama described the incident as “deeply saddening” and assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent such tragedies in future recruitment exercises.
