Political scientist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato, has condemned comments by the Member of Parliament for Pusiga, Laadi Ayii Ayamba, describing them as ‘insensitive’ and a reflection of ‘mediocrity’ in the country’s political leadership.

Dr Zaato’s remarks follow the Pusiga MP’s statement in Parliament that the deaths of some young female Ghanaians during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, were ‘beyond human control’ and ‘ordained by Allah’.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on November 13, 2025, Dr Zaato said the comments were deeply disappointing and out of touch with the grief families of the victims were enduring.

'Shameful!' - Netizens descend on MP over ‘they were meant to die’ comment on El-Wak tragedy

He said the tragedy should have evoked empathy and accountability, rather than fatalistic justifications.

“If you had nothing to say, young girls died, mothers were mourning, mothers were crying. When you have such people making policies for us, you wonder where we are as a country. When you have such mediocrity, it’s heartbreaking,” he said.

Dr Zaato added that the reaction within Parliament showed even lawmakers were uncomfortable with the MP’s remarks.

“Everybody in the chamber was cringing. You could feel it. People were like, ‘no, no, no this woman is not ready to be called honourable’,” he stated.

Enough with the empty job promises - United Party blasts government

The Pusiga legislator’s comments have sparked public outrage, with many Ghanaians describing them as dismissive of the tragedy that claimed several lives during the chaotic enlistment process.

The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that six people died following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during the ongoing military recruitment exercise.

While some lawmakers have defended Ayamba’s statement as a religious expression taken out of context, others argue that her comments underscore the disconnect between Ghana’s political elite and the struggles of ordinary citizens, especially unemployed youth.

MRA/AE

Chaos at El-Wak: Watch citizens recount harrowing experiences during GAF recruitment