Parliament Urges Reforms in GAF Hiring Process

The Parliament was engulfed in sorrow and contemplation yesterday, with lawmakers from all factions of the House expressing their condolence...

The Parliament was engulfed in sorrow and contemplation yesterday, with lawmakers from all factions of the House expressing their condolences over the devastating stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra. This incident, which occurred during the current Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment process, resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday morning, has led to immediate demands for an examination of the military's enlistment processes, with lawmakers calling for responsibility, enhanced safety measures, and thorough changes to prevent future exercises from resulting in comparable disaster.

Testifying before the House, Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that six individuals lost their lives and 22 others were injured as a result of the event. He mentioned that five of the injured are in severe condition and are being treated in the intensive care unit, with 12 others in moderate critical condition, while the remaining patients are stable and under monitoring.

Dr. Forson mentioned that the incident took place even though the Ministry and GAF made intentional efforts to decentralize this year's hiring process in order to prevent overcrowding.

"The Ghana Armed Forces revealed the recruitment procedures approximately a month back, with candidates instructed to visit their selected regional centers for paperwork and physical assessment. The recruitment campaign this year is being carried out at the same time in all regions to decentralize the process, minimize overcrowding, and promote equity and ease of access," he stated to the House.

"Unfortunately, even with these steps, a rush happened at the El-Wak facility in Accra," the Minister mentioned.

He revealed that the hiring process in Accra has been put on hold until further notice, while training activities in other areas are proceeding without issues.

Dr. Forson further mentioned that the GAF has established an internal committee to examine the events that resulted in the incident.

The government, he mentioned, is working alongside military medical units and police departments to assist the injured and the affected families.

"The Ministry of Defence expresses deep sorrow over the loss of life and offers condolences to the affected families. The security and respect of applicants are of utmost importance, and all required actions will be undertaken to ensure such an incident does not happen again," he assured the Parliament.

Previously, in individual statements, the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, along with the NDC MP for Guan, Fred Kwesi Agbenyo, had referred to the incident as both preventable and a moment of national realization.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh described it as "a deep and systemic failure" requiring immediate attention. Referencing Shakespeare's The Tempest, he considered the vulnerability of life, stating the victims were "once among thousands of Ghanaians hoping for the chance to contribute to their nation but encountered their end while chasing that aspiration."

He called for the immediate halt of the exercise and the decentralization of all upcoming hiring procedures.

Mr. Agbenyo, in his view, referred to the event as a "national tragedy and a heart-wrenching reminder of the struggles many young individuals encounter while seeking chances."

He praised President John Dramani Mahama for his "prompt and empathetic reaction" in visiting the 37 Military Hospital, yet urged a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

"If someone failed to stay awake while working, they should face consequences," he emphasized, stating that future hiring processes should be decentralized and digitalized.

Including his input, the NPP member of parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, stated that the Ghana Armed Forces did not properly conduct risk and public health evaluations before the recruitment process.

He asked if the Ministry of Defence had worked with the Ministry of Health or the Ghana Health Service in preparing for such a significant public gathering.

"After the elections, what were they expecting, and what steps did they take? I question whether there was any collaboration with health officials, despite this being a simulation with obvious public health consequences," he stated.

Dr. Ayew Afriyie also called for improved coordination among ministries during future hiring efforts and encouraged the President, as the head of the armed forces, to appoint a permanent Minister of Defence, highlighting that the current acting minister is already managing the challenging Finance role.

He additionally called for compensation and government assistance for the victims and their loved ones, stating, “There is nothing that can bring back a life, but there is a method for the government to ensure affected families feel acknowledged, helped, and appreciated.”

By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament Building

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