Pictures going around on social media suggest that supervising Soldiers contributed to the stampede.
The pictures revealed that soldiers were whipping some of the recruits, and in their bid to escape, they contributed to the unfortunate development.
Meanwhile, the acting Minister, Dr Cassell Ato Forson, in his statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, maintained that the number of deaths was six, not twelve as speculated in the media.
Also, about five people sustained multiple injuries and are on admission at the 37 Military Hospital, responding to treatment.
The Minister also indicated that the Military will conduct a thorough investigation into the issue, and those found guilty will be brought to book.
In another development, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has paid a visit to the injured on admission at the Military Hospital.
Members of Parliament, in their contributions to a statement read by Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagri, Annoh Dompreh, expressed their heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved Families.
While also calling for a thorough investigation into the issue, call for appropriate compassion to the affected Families and also those on admission.
The report suggests that the dead are all women
Update on El-wak stampede
There were 34 casualties – including potential recruits and other persons who are not directly related to the exercise.
6 persons have been confirmed dead
5 are critical and in the ICU
12 are fairly critical
The rest are stable and under observation
In light of these developments, the Ministry of Defence has halted the recruitment process in the Accra Region until further notice, while other regional recruitment centers progress smoothly with improved phased schedule arrangements.
The Ministry deeply mourns the loss of life and extends condolences to the affected families.
The Ghana Armed Forces has instituted an internal Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the stampede.
“We assure all and sundry that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and dignity of all applicants and to prevent the recurrence of this unfortunate incident” the Minister added.
By S.O. Akamah
