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 Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
