Deputy Defence Minister announces GHC150,000 compensation for each victim of El-Wak stampede
Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi has announced a GHC150,000 relief package for each of the six families who lost loved ones in the El-Wak Stadium stampede.
On December 1, Mr. Genfi met with the families at the National Square, offering condolences and outlining the support package, which includes GHC50,000 for funeral expenses and GHC100,000 as compensation.
He pledged that senior government officials would stand with the families and reiterated that prioritized opportunities will be offered to siblings of the deceased in the ongoing recruitment exercise.
The Ministry of Defence is collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to provide additional support, including psychosocial assistance and welfare programmes.
Mr. Brogya Genfi revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has also expressed condolences and promised government support for the affected families.
Background
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, a stampede occurred during the Ghana Armed Forces’ 2025/2026 recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and injuries to several others.
A press release issued by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, stated that the tragic incident occurred shortly before the commencement of the recruitment exercise at approximately 6:20 a.m.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected influx of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of the scheduled screening, resulting in chaos and multiple casualties.
The statement noted that the unfortunate incident led to the death of six potential recruits and numerous injuries. Those injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
The Ghana Armed Forces assured the public that medical teams are working diligently to stabilize the affected individuals and that arrangements are underway to notify the families of the deceased.
The Ghana Armed Forces extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to those injured, stating that further updates would be communicated.
