Security Analyst Nana Adu Twum Barimah I has called for the dismissal of certain individuals within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) who failed to exercise due diligence, leading to the stampede that claimed the lives of six potential military recruits.
According to him, the tragedy was a result of leadership failure. Nana Twum Barimah I stated that, even if the officers in charge are not entirely dismissed, they must lose their ranks to serve as a deterrent and prevent future occurrences.
He explained that, as part of former President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda, this incident should serve as a test case for taking decisive action against those responsible for the recruitment process, whose negligence resulted in loss of life, while also prompting necessary reforms within the security agencies.
Addressing concerns over whether the absence of a substantive Defense Minister contributed to the disaster, Nana Twum Barimah I said it could not have been a factor.
He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff and properly supervised by the Chief Director, who oversees such operations. “It would be incorrect to attribute the disaster to the absence of a Defense Minister,” he said.
He also commended the Deputy Defense Minister, stating, “I have monitored the Deputy Defense Minister, and I can say he is doing well so far, with the entire GAF hierarchy providing the needed support.”
The stampede, which occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2025, resulted in the death of six military recruit applicants. Twelve others sustained various injuries, with five reportedly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
President John Dramani Mahama visited the injured at the 37 Military Hospital and subsequently directed that the recruitment exercise be halted. Acting Defense Minister Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed that an internal committee has been established to investigate the incident.
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