Nation mourns… as officials call for review of recruitment processes
THE Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has joined other high-profile Ghanaians and institutions in expressing condolences to the families of the six people who lost their lives in Wednesday’s stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
In a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Ama Pratt, the Vice President expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of young people and extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
She described the incident as heartbreaking and urged the public to remain calm as authorities conduct a full and transparent investigation into the tragedy.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed that lessons must be learned to prevent similar incidents, calling for proper crowd management at public events. She assured affected families of government support, including medical care for the injured, and appealed to communities, faith leaders, and civil society to rally around those affected.
“This tragedy reminds us of the value of every Ghanaian life,” she said.
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) also condemned the incident, calling for a comprehensive review and decentralisation of public recruitment processes to ensure equity, gender responsiveness, and inclusivity.
AWLN Chairperson, Dr Charity Binka, described the deaths as a painful reminder of systemic vulnerabilities facing young women pursuing economic opportunities.
The network recommended the adoption of modern digital systems and regional recruitment centres to ensure transparency, order, and safety. It also urged policymakers to accelerate youth-focused initiatives in job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
Parliamentarians from both the Majority and Minority called for a review of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment process.
Minority Chief Whip, Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, described the stampede as a wake-up call for urgent government action, advocating a temporary suspension of recruitment exercises and decentralisation to reduce risks.
MP for Ketu North, Mr Eric Edem Agbana, highlighted youth unemployment as a contributing factor and praised President John Dramani Mahama for visiting victims at 37 Military Hospital.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), meeting in Damongo, expressed profound sorrow, mourning alongside families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured. The Church reaffirmed its commitment to human dignity, accountability, and the common good, praying for justice, compassion, and healing to guide the nation through this dark moment.
According to the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, 34 people were affected, with six fatalities, five in critical condition in the ICU, twelve in fairly critical condition, and the remainder stable under observation.
—BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
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