The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced the resumption of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, November 20, 2025, a week after the El-Wak Stadium stampede that forced a suspension of the process.
In a statement issued on November 17 and signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, GAF said the exercise would continue with new safety measures and decentralised screening centres to prevent overcrowding.
The resumption follows the tragic incident at El-Wak Stadium, where a stampede during the initial screening phase left many injured and resulted in six deaths. The incident triggered widespread public criticism and led to the establishment of a Board of Inquiry.
As part of the revised arrangements, GAF said screening will now be conducted at eight sub-centres across five locations, including El-Wak Stadium, Nicholson Park and Burma Camp.
The statement explained that “all qualified applicants in batches of 600 persons, will each receive an SMS specifying their reporting dates, batches and designated centres,” and applicants are advised to check the recruitment portal for any updates.
The Armed Forces also cautioned the public that “families and friends are cautioned not to accompany potential recruits to the screening centres to reduce congestion. Non-applicants will not be allowed entry to any of the centres.”
GAF further announced that the entire Greater Accra recruitment team has been replaced to ensure an impartial investigation into the stampede.
According to the release, “to allow for fair and transparent investigations by the Board, the entire Greater Accra Recruitment team has been replaced.”
The statement added that senior officers, including Commodore F.A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko and Colonel G.B. Eduah, have taken over key positions in human resource, manpower and IT.
The military extended sympathy to families affected by the tragedy, stating, “The Ghana Armed Forces regrets the unfortunate incident, and extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, and also wishes the injured a speedy recovery.”
It said all injured applicants will continue to receive free treatment at the 37 Military Hospital and that “a special recruitment package will be offered to all injured after full recovery and also to the bereaved families.”
GAF urged the public to cooperate with the new measures to ensure a smooth and safe continuation of the recruitment exercise.
Read below the statement
