Former President Nana Akufo-Addo has conveyed profound grief over the loss of six aspiring recruits who tragically died during a military enlistment exercise in Accra. Describing the event as a national calamity that calls for compassion and introspection, he shared his sentiments in a Facebook post on Thursday, 13 November. Akufo-Addo noted that he had just returned from Angola when he was met with the heartbreaking news of the stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium, where thousands had assembled for the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment drive.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families mourning their loved ones and wish those hospitalised a swift and complete recovery—both physically and emotionally,” he wrote. “May each day bring renewed strength. May the Lord guide and comfort us all through this difficult time.” Would you like this adapted for a speech, press release, or social media post?
The former president’s message follows growing public outrage and calls for accountability after the tragedy. Members of Parliament on the Defence and Interior Committee, led by Ranking Member Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, visited victims at the 37 Military Hospital and urged the government to suspend all nationwide recruitment exercises pending reforms.
Fordjour said the suspension would ensure a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent future tragedies and called for compensation for the families of the deceased and injured. The government has yet to respond to the appeals, but pressure is mounting for an investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal stampede.
Source: Jonathan Ofori
