A military recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi turned chaotic on Thursday, November 12, 2025, when a sudden stampede broke out, leaving five applicants injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened in the early hours of the morning as thousands of young people gathered for the ongoing Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment process. The massive crowd, which had formed long before dawn, reportedly surged toward the entrance gates after officials began the screening process, causing panic and confusion among the applicants.
Many witnesses said the crowd had been building up since 4 a.m., with anxious applicants pushing to get through the gates as soon as they opened. When security officials finally allowed entry, the rush intensified, leading to several people falling and getting trampled.
“People were pushing from behind because everyone wanted to get in first,” said one applicant, Kwame Mensah, who narrowly escaped injury. “I saw a few people on the ground crying for help while others kept rushing in. It was terrifying.”
Security officers, including both soldiers and police personnel, quickly moved in to restore order. However, five individuals sustained various degrees of injury and were taken to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for treatment. Medical officials later confirmed that all the victims were in stable condition.
In a statement, the Ghana Armed Forces expressed regret over the incident and assured the public that safety measures were being strengthened to prevent future occurrences. The statement noted that while the incident was unfortunate, prompt response from officers at the scene helped minimize casualties. It further indicated that the affected individuals had received the necessary medical attention and that crowd management strategies would be reviewed immediately.
Observers have attributed the stampede to overcrowding and inadequate coordination at the venue. The GAF recruitment exercise typically attracts massive crowds nationwide, as thousands of job seekers compete for limited positions in the armed forces. The high turnout at the Kumasi center once again highlights the scale of unemployment among Ghanaian youth and the desperation to secure stable employment.
The incident has sparked widespread concern on social media, with many users calling for a more digitized recruitment process to reduce overcrowding at physical venues. Some commentators have urged the military and government agencies to introduce an online pre-screening system to filter applicants before physical attendance is required.
Government sources say discussions are already underway between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior to review recruitment procedures and adopt safer, technology-driven methods to manage large applicant numbers.
The 2025 Ghana Armed Forces recruitment drive aims to fill hundreds of vacancies in various branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Despite the unfortunate incident, officials say the exercise will continue with improved safety protocols and stricter crowd control.
As of Thursday evening, calm had been restored at the Baba Yara Stadium, and the recruitment process resumed under close supervision. Authorities have urged the public to remain patient and to follow official instructions to ensure their safety during the ongoing exercise.
Source: Thepressradio.com
