The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced that its previously suspended 2025/2026 recruitment screening exercise for the Greater Accra Region will officially resume on Thursday, November 20, 2025, following the introduction of new safety and crowd-control measures.
A statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Navy, outlined a restructured system aimed at preventing a recurrence of the tragic stampede that halted the exercise last week.
Structured Batches, Multi-Site Screening
To streamline the process, GAF will now conduct the screening across eight sub-centers situated in five key locations:
- El-Wak Stadium – 2 centres
- Nicholson Park, Burma Camp – 2 centres
- Air Force Base, Burma Camp
- Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Teshie – 2 centres
- Eastern Naval Command, Tema
Only applicants who receive official SMS notifications—detailing their assigned date, batch and centre—will be allowed entry. Each batch will be limited to 600 candidates to minimise congestion.
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GAF has urged applicants to strictly follow the instructions in their messages and monitor the recruitment portal for further updates. Those who do not receive an SMS by November 20 are encouraged to call the official helpline or use the WhatsApp support number provided.
Tighter Access Control to Prevent Overcrowding
As part of new safety protocols, the Armed Forces emphasised that applicants must report alone, without family or friends. Non-applicants will not be permitted inside any of the designated screening centres.
The directive is intended to prevent overcrowding—one of the primary factors that contributed to last week’s deadly stampede at El-Wak Stadium.
New Leadership Takes Over Recruitment Process
In a move to ensure transparency and public confidence, GAF has replaced the entire Greater Accra recruitment team with new senior officers:
- Commodore F.A. Nyarko – Human Resources
- Colonel F. Kusi-Darko – Manpower
- Colonel G.B. Eduah – Information Technology
These officers have been tasked to enforce the revised safety measures and oversee a smooth continuation of the exercise.
Investigations Ongoing; Support for Victims
According to the statement, a Board of Inquiry is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the stampede, with assurances that anyone found culpable will be sanctioned.
The Ghana Armed Forces expressed deep regret over the incident, extending condolences to families who lost loved ones and pledging continued support to the injured. All injured applicants will receive free medical care at the 37 Military Hospital until they fully recover.
A “special recruitment package” will also be made available for the injured and affected families.
Commitment to Public Cooperation
GAF concluded by appealing for the public’s cooperation as it works to complete the recruitment process under its enhanced safety protocols.
