By Andrew Aboagye, Public Affairs Commentator
0548921501
The tragic stampede at the El Wak Sports Stadium on November 12, 2025, which left many applicants injured and traumatized, must serve as a turning point in how Ghana conducts its military recruitment exercises. This unfortunate incident has once again exposed the dangers of the current system, where thousands of hopeful applicants are made to converge at a single venue for body selection, screening, and documentation.
While the passion of Ghanaian youth to serve in the Armed Forces is inspiring, the process itself needs urgent restructuring to reflect the discipline and efficiency the military stands for.
From both observation and personal experience, I believe the Ghana Armed Forces should consider a corps-based and regional approach to recruitment. Since the army is already categorized into corps such as the Infantry, Military Police, Education Corps, Bandsmen, Engineers, and others, these same structures could be used as the basis for organizing applicants during body selection and documentation.
Applicants could be invited in groups according to their chosen corps, and exercises could be held at regional centers rather than concentrating everyone in one location. This method would:
- Reduce overcrowding and the risk of stampedes;
- Allow for more thorough and fair assessments;
- Improve coordination and documentation accuracy;
- Reflect the professionalism expected of a disciplined institution like the Ghana Armed Forces.
Furthermore, introducing digital pre-screening and scheduling systems could streamline the entire process. Applicants could receive electronic invitations specifying the date, corps, and regional center for their appearance — minimizing confusion and ensuring a safer, more transparent procedure.
The El Wak incident must not be repeated. It should challenge us to prioritize safety, dignity, and order in all recruitment activities. Reforming this process will not only protect lives but also uphold the image of the Ghana Armed Forces as a model of discipline and organization.
It is time to rethink, restructure, and modernize our recruitment approach — for the sake of the youth and for the honor of the nation.
