The death toll from the tragic stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra has reportedly climbed to 12, following the deaths of six additional victims on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The incident occurred during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise, which drew thousands of hopeful applicants to the venue.

The Ghana Armed Forces had earlier confirmed six fatalities, but the number has since reportedly doubled as more victims succumbed to their injuries. Several others remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive care at the 37 Military Hospital.

According to eyewitness reports, chaos erupted when a massive crowd of young Ghanaians rushed the stadium gates in a desperate bid to gain entry. The surge caused severe congestion and pushing at the entry points, triggering a stampede that led to multiple injuries and fatalities.

Military officials have since cordoned off the stadium and blocked major access roads leading to El-Wak to control the situation and facilitate ongoing rescue and medical operations.

The victims’ bodies have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while emergency response teams continue to treat the injured.

The stampede occurred during an extended phase of the GAF’s nationwide recruitment exercise. The initial application deadline of October 31, 2025, had been extended by one week due to technical challenges on the recruitment portal.

In a statement signed by Colonel Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the military said the extension was intended to allow affected applicants to complete their submissions.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has extended the deadline for the ongoing recruitment exercise by one week due to some technical challenges encountered on the recruitment portal during the initial period,” the statement read.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine what led to the deadly stampede and to prevent future occurrences during national recruitment exercises.