The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says it has spent GH¢100,000 on the medical treatment of Sandra Baafi Boateng, a victim of the November 2025 military recruitment stampede in Kumasi, and provided her family with an additional GH¢30,000 in financial assistance.

The military has also disclosed that Sandra's sister, Mercy Bioh, is undergoing military training at the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills after being offered a recruitment opportunity as part of efforts to support the affected family.

The clarification follows public concerns over Sandra's condition and the support she has received since sustaining injuries during the recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on November 12, 2025.

In a press release issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Ghana Armed Forces said Sandra was initially admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where she received treatment from November 12, 2025, to February 26, 2026.

According to the military, she was subsequently transferred to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra at her family's request for further medical attention, with the Armed Forces bearing the cost of her air evacuation and treatment.

The military said the medical expenses amounted to GH¢100,000, which it fully covered.

It further stated that after Sandra was discharged, it assured her family that the 4 Medical Reception Station in Kumasi would continue to provide medical care until she fully recovered.

The Armed Forces also detailed additional assistance provided to the family during a ceremony at its General Headquarters at Burma Camp on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

At the event, Sandra's mother received GH¢30,000 in financial assistance and an air bed to improve her daughter's comfort and support her care.

A wheelchair was also offered to the family but was declined because they already had one.

The military added that it offered to provide ambulance transportation for Sandra and her family to Kumasi. However, the family opted to travel with the National Ambulance Service, a decision the Armed Forces said it respected.

On the recruitment opportunity extended to the family, the military said Sandra's sister, Mercy Bioh, was nominated and is currently undergoing training at the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills.

Reaffirming its commitment to Sandra's recovery, the Ghana Armed Forces said it would continue working with the family to ensure she receives the necessary medical attention and welfare support.

"The Ghana Armed Forces remains committed to Miss Baafi's full recovery and will continue to work closely with the family to support her medical care and welfare," the statement said.

The military also wished Sandra a speedy recovery.

Background to the Kumasi recruitment stampede

The incident occurred during the Ghana Armed Forces' 2025/2026 nationwide recruitment exercise, which attracted large numbers of young people seeking to join the military.

On November 12, 2025, five young people sustained injuries during a stampede at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, confirmed the injuries and assured the public that the victims would receive medical attention.

The Kumasi incident occurred on the same day as a separate and deadlier stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, where six applicants died and several others were injured. The Accra tragedy prompted the military to suspend its recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region and establish a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances.

The two incidents raised concerns about crowd management, security arrangements and safety measures during recruitment exercises that attract thousands of applicants.

In March 2026, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told Parliament that the government was prepared to send Sandra Baafi Boateng abroad for specialised treatment if recommended by medical professionals. He also assured Parliament that the government was covering her medical expenses.

EA