By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Nov. 14, GNA – The National Peace Council (NPC) has expressed regret over the stampede at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at El-Wak Stadium on November 12, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Council said the incident resulted in 28 casualties, including six confirmed deaths and 12 individuals in critical condition. Five of the injured were receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
A similar incident was reported in Kumasi, where five individuals sustained injuries during a separate recruitment exercise.
The NPC extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service, the Council noted that youth unemployment stood at 32 per cent for persons aged 15 to 24, and 22.5 per cent for those aged 15 to 35.
It said achieving positive peace was incomplete when large numbers of young people remained unemployed, describing the incident as a wake-up call for government, business leaders, and stakeholders to take urgent action.
While acknowledging GAF’s decision to suspend the Accra exercise and initiate investigations, the Council urged the military to consider broader reforms.
It encouraged GAF to adopt modern approaches and best practices to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment process.
The Council warned that widespread youth unemployment could become a breeding ground for violence and exploitation by extremist groups, calling for collective efforts to address the challenge.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey