Following the tragic stampede at El Wak Sports Stadium on November 12, which claimed the lives of six prospective recruits into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and left several others injured, tributes and expressions of condolence have been pouring in from across the country.
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang expressed deep sorrow over the incident, urging the public to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. In a Facebook post, she stated: “As the relevant state agencies respond to the incident, let us stand together and support one another through this difficult moment.”
Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia also extended his condolences, wishing a swift recovery to the injured and expressing sympathy to the families of the young Ghanaians who lost their lives.
Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bryan Acheampong, described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” noting that it prematurely ended the dreams of many young Ghanaians. He emphasised the sanctity of every life and called for a thorough review of the recruitment process to prevent similar incidents. “Our youth deserve opportunities that are safe, dignified, and hopeful,” he added.
The Progressive Alliance of Ghana (PAG) described the incident as a symptom of deeper national challenges, highlighting the frustration of thousands of unemployed young people seeking meaningful opportunities. “The sheer number of applicants who turned up at El Wak is not merely a statistic; it is a loud cry for hope from a generation that feels left behind,” the statement read. PAG urged the government to implement urgent reforms prioritising job creation, industrial growth, private sector empowerment, and agricultural modernisation.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) also extended condolences, describing the tragedy as a national loss warranting reflection and reform. “As shepherds of the Church in Ghana, we stand in prayerful solidarity with the affected families, the wounded, and all who have been shaken by this loss,” the Bishops said. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting systems that respect human life, foster accountability, curtail indiscipline, and advance the common good.
The incident has prompted calls from leaders and stakeholders for urgent action to safeguard young Ghanaians, improve recruitment procedures, and address the broader socio-economic challenges that continue to affect the nation’s youth.
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