Former President John Dramani Mahama has visited victims of the military recruitment stampede who are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. The visit followed the tragic incident that claimed several lives and left dozens injured during a recent Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) enlistment exercise.
Accompanied by members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and senior party officials, Mr. Mahama toured various wards of the hospital to check on the condition of those injured. He spoke with doctors, nurses, and victims, expressing empathy and offering words of encouragement to the affected individuals and their families.
In an interaction with the media after the visit, the former president described the tragedy as a “painful and avoidable national disaster.” He called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede, emphasizing that such incidents should never be repeated.
“These were young, patriotic Ghanaians who only wanted to serve their nation. Their deaths and injuries must serve as a lesson. We must ensure that proper planning, coordination, and safety measures are enforced in future recruitment processes,” Mahama stated.
Medical officials at the 37 Military Hospital revealed that several victims are in stable condition, while others remain under intensive care. They commended the swift response of emergency teams and assured the public that every effort is being made to save lives and support families of the deceased.
The recruitment stampede, which occurred earlier this week, has drawn widespread public outrage. Thousands of hopeful applicants had reportedly gathered at various recruitment centers, leading to overcrowding and chaos as security personnel struggled to manage the situation.
Mr. Mahama extended his deepest condolences to families who lost loved ones and urged the government and the Ghana Armed Forces to take full responsibility by ensuring transparency and accountability in their investigations.
“Our country cannot afford to lose its young people in such a manner. I urge the authorities to prioritize safety and organization in every national recruitment exercise going forward,” he added.
His visit has been widely commended by citizens and social media users, who praised the former president for showing empathy and leadership during a difficult moment for the nation.
The government is yet to release an official report on the incident, but pressure continues to mount on the Defence Ministry and military command to explain the lapses that led to the fatal stampede.
President @JDMahama has visited the 37 Military Hospital to commiserate with prospective military recruits receiving treatment at the facility following the unfortunate stampede earlier today at the El-wak Stadium in Accra. pic.twitter.com/Cbh2N10dct
— Ghana Presidency (@GhanaPresidency) November 12, 2025
Source: Thepressradio.com
