The Committee on Defence and Interior of Parliament visited the 37 Military Hospital on Thursday, November 13, to express condolences to the victims and families of the tragic stampede that occurred during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at El-Wak Stadium.
James Agalga, the Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee, led the delegation, which included Ranking Member Rev. Ntim Fordjour and Vice Chairman Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu. Agalga explained that the visit was in accordance with directives from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, aimed at demonstrating Parliament’s concern for the welfare of the victims.
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“The Committee on Defence and Interior visited the 37 Military Hospital to assess the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims of the tragedy at El-Wak Stadium. We are here to wish them well and assure them that the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana cares about their welfare,” Agalga stated.
He emphasized that the Ghana Armed Forces had already instituted a board of inquiry to investigate the incident, noting that Parliament would avoid simultaneous investigations to prevent complications.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Committee, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. He urged that the tragedy should not be politicized and that the investigation be handled objectively.
“We convey our condolences as a committee to the bereaved families. The six young ladies, brave potential soldiers, who sadly passed, may their souls rest in peace. We appeal that all nationwide recruitment exercises be put on hold until proper safety measures are reviewed and implemented,” he said.
Fordjour also called on the government to provide adequate compensation for families of the deceased and to prioritize the reintegration of injured recruits into future recruitment exercises once they have fully recovered.
Agalga recalled the courage of those seeking to join the armed forces, noting, “It takes a touch of madness for one to become a soldier because when most people see danger, they retreat. For those in the army they are trained to confront danger. That is how serious it is for somebody to decide to become a soldier.”
The Committee assured it will continue to monitor the situation while supporting the GAF’s inquiry into the tragedy. They also pledged to propose constructive recommendations to prevent future accidents during recruitment exercises.