Halt it immediately – MP urges suspension of Armed Forces recruitment after six die in stampede
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing Ghana Armed Forces recruitment process following a deadly stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra that claimed six lives.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Midday News, Rev. Fordjour said the incident underscores the urgent need to prioritise human life over bureaucratic processes.
“The process must be halted immediately. Halt it immediately and let us prioritise lives,” he stressed, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further tragedy.
The stampede occurred early Wednesday around 6:20 a.m., when a large crowd of applicants reportedly forced their way through the stadium gates before the official start of the screening exercise.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the sudden rush overwhelmed security protocols, leading to multiple injuries and fatalities.
Medical teams at the 37 Military Hospital are currently treating the injured, while the Armed Forces have expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.
Rev. Fordjour emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the recruitment system, calling for transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the incident.
“As we halt it, we need to get back to the table and review the entire process,” he said. “A full investigation has to be undertaken to establish the fact, and reviews have to be put into the process for us to be able to save lives.”
