President John Dramani Mahama has voiced deep grief over the deaths of six young women in a fatal stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment drive in Accra.
Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi on Wednesday, the President called the tragedy “a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation.” He revealed that all six victims were female applicants who had shown up full of hope to serve Ghana.
“I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident,” Mahama said. “We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition.”
He sent heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.
Mahama demanded a full investigation into what went wrong and urged stronger safety protocols for future public recruitments and large gatherings.
The chaos erupted early Wednesday when thousands of job-hungry youth overwhelmed the stadium gates. GAF has confirmed the six deaths, with dozens more hurt and being treated at 37 Military Hospital. The recruitment process is on hold indefinitely while probes continue.
