The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the lack of fortitude, preparedness, and competence demonstrated by the Ghana Armed Forces in organizing the tragic recruitment exercise.
CenPOA has described the exercise as a critical national exercise and stated that it is deeply disappointing that an institution mandated to protect lives and uphold discipline could preside over an event that resulted in preventable deaths due to poor planning and gross negligence.
CenPOA noted that equally troubling is the tone of the military’s initial press statement, which appears to shift blame onto the very victims of this unfortunate event — the innocent potential recruits.
“This posture is both unprofessional and insensitive. The Armed Forces must take full responsibility for this tragedy and issue an unreserved public apology to the bereaved families and the nation.
“Did the military not anticipate the number of applicants expected to attend? What specific crowd control and safety measures were put in place to prevent congestion and stampede? Why was the exercise not conducted in smaller, well-coordinated batches to ensure order and safety? These are legitimate questions that demand transparent answers from the military leadership,” CenPOA stated.
This was contained in a Media Release in Accra dated 12th November, 2025.
CenPOA however expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the six young Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives during in yesterday’s Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise.
“This incident is a national tragedy that should never have happened.
CenPOA further observed with concern a worrying pattern of institutional evasion of accountability within the military establishment.
“This stampede comes on the heels of the recent military helicopter crash, whose investigative report conveniently attributed the cause to “natural factors.” Such repeated attempts to absolve the military of responsibility erode public confidence and tarnish the image of one of Ghana’s most respected institutions.
“Moreover, CenPOA is deeply alarmed by growing indications that the military recruitment process has become politicized. This development, if left unchecked, poses a serious threat to the integrity, professionalism, and neutrality of the Armed Forces. Recruitment into the military must be based strictly on merit, fairness, and transparency — not political influence or favoritism,” the civil society organization stated.
CenPOA therefore called for an independent public inquiry into the recruitment stampede to ensure accountability, justice for the victims, and concrete reforms to prevent a recurrence.
“The Ghanaian people deserve answers and assurances that their Armed Forces are capable of handling such national responsibilities with the highest level of competence and care.
“The Armed Forces owe the nation an explanation, an apology, and a renewed commitment to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and responsibility,” the statement concluded.
It was signed by Michael Donyina Mensah, Executive Director.
