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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
President John Mahama has arrived in Moscow, Russia, from Ethiopia to participate in the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit.
The summit is being hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the visit, President Mahama will join fellow African leaders at the Economic and Humanitarian Forum and summit plenary sessions.
He is also scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with President Putin and attend a Kente exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum.
As part of the visit, the President will receive honorary doctorate degrees from the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.
He will also engage Russian businesses and state institutions to advance bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Russia.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Moses Abor, has met with the Bono Regional Chairman of the party, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, to address concerns arising from recent social media developments.
In a statement shared , Mr. Abor said he yesterday visited Chairman Baffoe over comments he made on his show, which had raised concern among some party activists.
According to him, he also engaged Charles Opoku Presidoo and ironed out grievances he had earlier held regarding the matter.
Mr. Abor said he was pleased that in the spirit of unity and the party’s shared commitment to return to power in 2028, they had a constructive conversation and addressed the concerns amicably.
“With the matter now resolved, I encourage all Party activists to let the matter rest and redirect our energy toward holding the NDC accountable for its failures and misleading claims,” he said.
He urged party members to continue making the case to Ghanaians on why Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the right person to lead the country in 2028.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
