News
Scores throng El-Wak for recruitment exercise…as GAF puts in safety measures
Despite the tragic incident that characterised last week’s recruitment exercise slated for the El-Wak Stadium, scores of hopeful recruits thronged the various recruitment centres across the Greater Accra Region when the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) resumed the processes for the 2025/26 enlistment exercise on Thursday, November 20.
For many of these young applicants, the tragedy did little to weaken their long-held dreams of wearing the military uniform. Instead, they arrived determined but cautious, moving through the newly structured screening lanes set up by the Armed Forces to prevent overcrowding and restore confidence in the process.
The stampede, which happened when a large crowd surged towards an entrance, left several applicants injured and brought the exercise to an abrupt halt. The incident prompted GAF to suspend the recruitment and establish a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident.
With the exercise now back on course, the Armed Forces announced several safety adjustments. Under the new arrangement, screening was conducted at eight sub-centres within five key locations including El-Wak Stadium, Nicholson Park at Burma Camp, the Air Force Base, TRADOC at Teshie and the Eastern Naval Command in Tema.
To avoid a repeat of last week’s congestion, applicants were scheduled in batches of 600, each receiving a text message indicating their reporting date, batch, and designated centre. Those who did not receive a message were advised to contact the dedicated helplines, while families and friends were discouraged from accompanying applicants to reduce pressure at the gates.
In a bid to ensure transparency as the investigation continues, the entire Greater Accra Recruitment Team was reassigned, with Commodore F.A. Nyarko, Colonel F. Kusi-Darko and Colonel G.B. Eduah taking over as Director General Human Resource, Director Manpower and Director Information Technology respectively.
The GAF, however, expressed regret over the tragedy, extending sympathies to bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery. According to GAF, all the injured persons will continue to receive free medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. In a compassionate gesture, GAF promised a special recruitment package for the injured after full recovery, as well as for families who lost loved ones.
It appealed to the public for patience and cooperation as the recruitment process continues under enhanced safety measures.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Government of Ghana has approved plans to establish a new teacher training college at Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced the decision during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company.
He explained that the government, through the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, has a strong case to support the project.
According to him, the new college will help expand access to tertiary education, especially in the Western Region.
He added that the project will be carried out in partnership with Ghana Gas as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to support education in the area.
The minister stressed that the approval is a policy decision, with plans to establish the college in 2027. He noted, however, that the timeline will depend on the availability of funds from the Ghana Education Trust Fund.
He said the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to improve teacher education and ensure more trained teachers are available across the country.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Gas, Judith Adjoa Blay, said the meeting followed a proposal by the Nzema Academia and Educationalist Association.
She noted that the discussions focused on the policy direction and overall plan for the project.
She further explained that there will be a technical meeting to outline the scope of work and key requirements needed to begin implementation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has arrested eight suspected highway robbers in a special intelligence-led operation following a robbery attack on the Mampong–Ejura Highway.
In a press release dated March 31, 2026, and signed by the Ashanti North Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Felix Apedo, the police said the suspects were linked to a robbery incident that occurred on March 26, 2026, at the Aframso Bridge.
According to the statement, six armed men attacked a driver, Appiah Joseph, who was transporting 14 passengers in a Ssangyong minibus from Kumasi to Atebubu. The attackers reportedly robbed the victims of cash and mobile phones.
The police explained that after the incident, they gathered intelligence and mounted surveillance on the suspects.
Acting on the information, a special operations team, in collaboration with personnel from the NOD Surveillance Unit in Accra, moved to Amakwa Dadey Hotel at Ejura on March 30, 2026.
The statement noted that upon arrival, the officers found the suspects allegedly sharing money believed to be proceeds from the robbery. Eight suspects were subsequently arrested.
They were identified as Amidu Sajo, Ibrahim Sule, Karim Hadu, Malik Jibrilla, Yusifa Asakoko, Umaru Issifu, Damani Yamba, and Ibrahim Iddrisu, also known as “Bule.”
The police further stated that Iddrisu, who was on the wanted list for previous robbery cases, attempted to escape during the operation. While being pursued, he reportedly attacked an officer with a cutlass and tried to seize a service weapon.
In the process, he sustained gunshot wounds to his left leg and arm.
He was rushed to the Mampong Government Hospital and later referred to the Jamasi Pope John Paul Hospital, where he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
Police said several items were retrieved during the operation, including two rounds of AK-47 ammunition, three cutlasses, an amount of GHC 15,717.00, eight mobile phones, a talisman, an ID card, and a side bag.
The remaining suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with investigations.
The command indicated that the operation is ongoing to arrest other suspects and retrieve additional weapons.
It added that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Mampong Government Hospital morgue for preservation and further action.
The Ashanti North Regional Police Command assured the public of its commitment to fighting highway robbery and ensuring safety, and urged residents to continue cooperating with the police.
By: Jacob Aggrey
