The Mahama government has offered an automatic recruitment slots into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for relatives of six women who died in a stampede at Accra’s El-Wak Stadium during a military enlistment exercise, officials said on Sunday.
Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi announced the gesture during a visit to the home of one of the victims at Eyan Maim in the Central Region, where he conveyed President John Mahama’s condolences and pledged state support for funeral arrangements.
“Due to what happened, the recruitment in Accra has been suspended by the President so that we ensure measures are put in place to avoid a repeat of such incidents,” Genfi told the family.
He said the president had directed that each bereaved family submit the name of a qualified relative to be considered for automatic enlistment.
“The President has asked us to inform you that all those who wanted to wear the military uniform but died in the process, their families should present a replacement to be absorbed into the military,” he said.
Regional authorities are expected to guide families through the process.
The stampede occurred when thousands of young job seekers massed at the stadium for the screening exercise. The crowd surge at entry points triggered chaotic scenes, leaving six dead and dozens injured.
The Ghana Armed Forces said 28 people were admitted to the 37 Military Hospital, five of whom are in intensive care, while 12 remain in critical condition
