The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has completed its selection exercise for the first batch of 2,000 new personnel, including a group of individuals directly affected by the tragic El‑Wak recruitment incident that occurred last year. Among those chosen are 18 survivors of the crowd crush at El‑Wak Stadium in Accra and five recruits from families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The inclusion of survivors and bereaved family members in the recruitment process is part of efforts to offer opportunities to those who were physically and emotionally impacted by the tragedy that unfolded during the military enlistment exercise in late 2025. Hundreds of people had gathered at El‑Wak Stadium seeking to join the armed forces when a stampede broke out, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
Officials from GAF said this group was selected based on merit, ensuring that the opportunity recognises both their potential and their connection to the heartbreaking event. The recruitment exercise, which attracted thousands of applicants nationwide, was paused after the El‑Wak incident and later resumed with heightened measures to protect applicants.
This approach reflects the military’s commitment to both fairness and compassion, offering young Ghanaians affected by the incident a pathway to serve their country while honouring the memory of those who died. GAF recruitment continues with medical screenings, fitness tests, and other standard assessments for all shortlisted candidates ahead of final enlistment.
