United Party Grieves Six Lives Lost in El-Wak Stampede, Blasts Government on Joblessness and Graft
The United Party (UP) has poured out its sorrow over the tragic stampede that killed six young Ghanaians at El-Wak Sports Stadium during a military recruitment drive, slamming the incident as a stark warning for the government to tackle skyrocketing youth unemployment and rampant corruption head-on.
In a poignant statement, UP leaders mourned the victims—all aspiring female recruits crushed in the early-morning chaos—as “symbols of a generation left adrift by failed policies.” The party extended deep condolences to the bereaved families, vowing to stand with them in their grief.
“This heartbreaking loss isn’t just a stampede—it’s a national emergency born from desperation,” the statement read. “Thousands risked everything for a slim chance at a uniform because jobs are a mirage for our youth. The government must wake up: Invest in real opportunities, not excuses, and root out the corruption choking our future.”
The UP called for urgent reforms, including transparent job creation programs, anti-corruption probes into recruitment mismanagement, and better crowd control at public events. They urged President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize youth empowerment in the upcoming 2026 budget, warning that ignoring the crisis could spark wider unrest.
The stampede erupted around 6 a.m. when desperate applicants breached barriers at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) screening, leading to six deaths and over a dozen injuries. GAF has suspended Accra’s recruitment, launched an inquiry, and confirmed the injured are under care at 37 Military Hospital. Mahama visited victims earlier today, echoing calls for safety upgrades.
As Ghana grapples with youth joblessness rates hovering near 13%, the UP’s voice adds to a growing chorus demanding action before another crowd turns tragic.
