The Youth Wing of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is calling on the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, to immediately launch an investigation into the stampede that claimed six innocent lives at the El Wak Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
The deceased were among thousands who reported at the military stadium for the physical screening phase of the recruitment process.
They had rushed to the entrance, leaving the six dead and many others injured.
A statement signed by NPP Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha described the incident as “unfortunate” and should not be happening in an era of advanced technology.
“We are disturbed by the videos trending on social media in which thousands of young Ghanaians are seen struggling to go through and stand at an advantageous position.
“Even more worrying is the fact that so many people had to journey from far and near across the country to the venue.”
The statement said an investigation should be launched by the caretaker Defence Minister to “unravel the circumstances leading to this tragedy”.
“What crowd control measures were put in place? Why was this not done in batches as the number of applicants was known? Did the officers on duty at the time mishandle the applicants in a way that triggered the stampede?
“There are too many questions begging for answers.”
The NPP Youth Wing believes an inquest will prevent a future occurrence of the incident.
“All the youth were looking for was an opportunity to serve their nation and also take care of themselves and their families.
“The pursuit of dreams and opportunities should not be perilous.”