PUSAG Mourns Victims Of El-Wak Recruitment Stampede – Calls For Immediate Institutional Reforms

Ibrahim Issah, President of the Private Universities Students Association of Ghana (PUSAG).

The Private Universities Students’ Association of Ghana (PUSAG) has received with deep sadness the tragic news of the stampede that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise.

It was initially reported that six promising lives were lost, with several others injured.

Unfortunately, subsequent reports have confirmed that the death toll has now risen to twelve (12), deepening the nation’s sorrow and grief over this heartbreaking incident.

We bring to you the full statement issued by Ibrahim Issah, President of PUSAG.

Full Statement:

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift and full recovery to all those currently receiving medical care.

This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of the urgent need to re-examine the processes surrounding public recruitment exercises — especially those attracting large numbers of young Ghanaians seeking to serve their nation.

While we acknowledge the efforts of the Ghana Armed Forces to manage such a massive exercise, it is regrettable that adequate preventive measures were not fully anticipated and implemented.

Given the volume of applications sold and the expected turnout, an advance operational assessment and crowd management plan should have been deployed at least 24 hours prior to the event to secure the premises and protect the lives of applicants.

This tragedy, beyond institutional oversight, reveals the desperation and determination of Ghana’s youth — a generation ready and willing to contribute to national development, even under dire circumstances.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that such zeal and patriotism are met with safety, dignity, and respect.

We therefore:

1.            Call on the Minister for the Interior to direct that the twelve fallen applicants be accorded heroic funeral rites in recognition of their selfless desire to serve Ghana.

2.            Urge the Ghana Armed Forces and all other security agencies yet to commence their recruitment processes to draw immediate lessons from this tragedy and adopt preventive measures to ensure that never again will Ghana witness such a devastating loss of young lives in a national recruitment exercise.

3.            Appeal to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowermentt to take concrete steps toward establishing a comprehensive Youth Safety Framework, guaranteeing the protection and welfare of young people in all state-led initiatives and public engagements.

As the umbrella body representing over 137 private universities across the country, PUSAG reaffirms its commitment to advocating for youth-centered policies, fair employment opportunities, and improved coordination between state agencies and the youth they serve.

The lives lost today are not just statistics — they are symbols of a generation’s hope, courage, and undying belief in the promise of Ghana.

Let this tragedy awaken our conscience, reform our systems, and inspire a renewed national commitment to safeguard the dreams of every Ghanaian youth.

H.E IBRAHIM ISSAH                                   

NATIONAL PRESIDENT                                                                      

pusagghana@gmail.com | +233 (0) 244478846

Cc:

Minister for Defence | Minister for Interior | Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment| National Peace Council | All Media Houses

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.