Mahama visits victims of El-Wak stadium stampede at 37 military hospital

By Emmanuella Sarfo-Ntow November 12, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, visited the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to commiserate with victims of the tragic stampede that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium earlier in the day.

During his visit to the hospital’s emergency ward, the President was briefed by medical officials on the condition of the injured and the ongoing treatment efforts. He was accompanied by key government officials, including Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson.

At least six people have been confirmed dead, while 12 others remain in critical condition, five of them in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the stampede happened when thousands of young Ghanaians crowded the El-Wak Stadium in a desperate attempt to secure enlistment into the military. The massive turnout reportedly caused severe congestion at the entry points, leading to intense pushing and chaos that resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities.

Security personnel have since cordoned off the area, with military officers blocking key access routes to the stadium to maintain order and assist with rescue operations. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue.

The tragedy occurred during an extended phase of the GAF recruitment exercise, which had been prolonged by one week due to earlier technical issues with the online application portal.