Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed sadness over the stampede that occurred during a military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Stadium on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The tragic incident claimed six lives and left several others injured, some in critical condition.

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Reacting to the incident, Akufo-Addo commiserated with the victims and their families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.

“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,” the former president shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

“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 stampede reportedly broke out at the El-Wak Stadium during the recruitment process due to overcrowding.

The situation escalated after military officials instructed some applicants to go home and return the following day. However, the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to chaos that resulted in the loss of six lives.

Authorities have confirmed that all six deceased were female applicants. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, five individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the 37 Military Hospital, while twelve others remain in critical condition.

Military Recruitment Stampede that Killed 6 at El-Wak: What we know so far

The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue for preservation and further investigation.



MAG/MA

Ghana Armed Forces gives details of stampede which led to the death of six people