The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, resume its suspended 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region, after last week’s tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium that left six people dead and several others injured.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Directorate, the GAF announced that the screening exercise will now be decentralised across five key locations, with a total of eight sub-centres created to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safer process.
Under the revised arrangements, the El-Wak Stadium will host two screening centres, Nicholson Park in Burma Camp will also have two, while additional centres have been designated at the Air Force Base in Burma Camp, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Teshie with two centres, and the Eastern Naval Base in Tema.
To further manage crowd numbers, the Armed Forces advised that qualified applicants will be processed in batches of 600.
Applicants who do not receive a call by Thursday are encouraged to contact the helpline on 0256406104 or send a WhatsApp message to 0256405554.
The statement stressed that family members and friends must not accompany applicants to the centres, noting that strict enforcement of this directive will be in place to avoid congestion and ensure order.
Inquiry
Meanwhile, the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the deadly stampede at El-Wak Stadium is ongoing, with military authorities assuring the public that anyone found culpable will face sanctions.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when thousands of young people massed at the stadium to take part in the recruitment exercise.
Intense pushing at the entry points sparked chaos, resulting in a crush that killed six people and left many others injured.
According to the GAF, 28 persons were rushed to the 37 Military Hospital.
Six were confirmed dead; five were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, while 12 remained in critical condition.
Earlier conflicting reports suggesting 12 deaths added to public confusion, but the military reiterated that six fatalities had been officially confirmed.
Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and blocked major access roads leading to the stadium to manage the situation and support rescue operations.
The recruitment exercise had already been under pressure after its deadline was extended from October 31, 2025 by one week due to technical difficulties on the online portal, a factor believed to have contributed to the heightened turnout.
Changes in Recruitment Leadership
In an effort to restore public confidence and strengthen oversight of the ongoing recruitment, the Armed Forces has announced key changes within the recruitment management team.
Cdr F.A. Nyarko has been appointed Director-General of Human Resource, with Col F. Kusi-Darko and Col G.B. Eduah taking over as Director IT and another senior role respectively.
The Armed Forces says the adjustments are intended to promote transparency and ensure fairness throughout the exercise.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen William Agyapong, has assured the public that the military remains committed to a credible, safe, and orderly recruitment process as the exercise resumes under tightened security and administrative measures.
A Daily Guide Report