News
Scores throng El-Wak for recruitment exercise…as GAF puts in safety measures
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-military-1000x538.webp&description=Scores throng El-Wak for recruitment exercise…as GAF puts in safety measures', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-military-1000x538.webp&description=Scores throng El-Wak for recruitment exercise…as GAF puts in safety measures', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr. Busia Highway within the Kaneshie enclave will commence on September 7, 2026.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, announced this at a special media briefing on Wednesday.
According to him, the works will involve the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and 1.95 kilometres long, stretching from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
The new drain will replace the existing two 1.2-metre diameter pipes, which are inadequate to carry the volume of stormwater in the area.
Dr. Sarfo said the drain will connect at one end to the recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and at the other end to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
He said the construction is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027.
The project forms part of government’s broader flood prevention and mitigation programme aimed at addressing perennial flooding in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chairman Wontumi who is currently serving a 20-year jail term said his decision was driven by his love for the party and his unwillingness to let his personal circumstances distract the NPP from its rebuilding efforts.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice. Moments when one must quietly set aside personal ambition, not because the dream has died, but because the family he loves must not be made to carry his burden. Today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” he wrote.
He disclosed that after many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, he concluded that his present situation must not become an additional burden on the NPP.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he added.
Recounting his years of service, Chairman Wontumi said he had served the party with everything within him, walking through heat and rain, travelling to remote communities and standing with the grassroots in both victory and defeat.
“For many years, I have served the NPP with everything within me… The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he stated.
He explained that the party, already carrying the pain of electoral defeat and the huge responsibility of preparing for the future, should not be made to carry his personal weight.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he said.
He further sympathized with his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many who had sacrificed for his campaign.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt. I know many of you will read it with tears in your eyes because I understand the sacrifices you have made for this journey,” he said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
