All six potential recruits who tragically lost their lives in the stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise on Wednesday, November 12, were female.

President John Dramani Mahama made the revelation at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Poultry Initiative in Kumasi. The President described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation,” while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.

According to him, “The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition.”

Reports indicate that the incident occurred as thousands of young Ghanaians thronged the stadium, forcing their way through entry points in an attempt to secure enlistment into the Service. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital morgue, while several others are receiving emergency treatment.

The Ashanti Region has also reported that at least five potential recruits reportedly collapsed during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 11. One person is in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Emena Hospital in Oforikrom Municipality, according to reports, while four others are at the Ashanti South Government Hospital for treatment.

To reduce overcrowding and prevent a potential stampede, authorities have asked some applicants to attend the exercise on Thursday and Friday.

The Ghana Armed Forces announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise. The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, was extended to November 7.

GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1 via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The statement, titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads:

“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 new deadline is 7 November 2025.”

Before the extension, GAF, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun, outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide. It noted that this marks a significant change in the security force’s recruitment process, moving away from the traditional method that was largely centralised in a few selected centres such as Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi.

The new approach, GAF explained, is to ensure equal opportunity for applicants across the country, particularly those in remote or underserved areas who previously had to travel long distances and incur high costs.

“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the public that the 2025 Enlistment/Recruitment Exercise into the Ghana Armed Forces will commence in the coming days at all the regional capitals of the 16 Regions of the country. This approach offers equal opportunity for all potential applicants in the entire country,” parts of the statement read.

According to GAF, recruitment announcements will be made through its official website and Ghana’s two main state-owned national newspapers. GAF also warned the public to disregard recruitment advertisements circulating on social media, stressing that no member of the force would issue such notices or ads.

“The general public is kindly informed that any purported recruitment links on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or any other social media platforms inviting people for protocol recruitment are a scam and should be ignored. Additionally, no such enlistment/recruitment invitation will emanate from any member of the Ghana Armed Forces or its High Command and should be ignored as well,” it added. “The Ghana Armed Forces counts on the cooperation of the general public in this endeavour.”

The strong warning comes against the backdrop of fraudulent recruitment schemes that have increased in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. These scams often promise “protocol recruitment,” suggesting backdoor access in exchange for payment. Scammers typically impersonate senior officers, circulate fake enlistment links, and demand fees in return for guaranteed placement.

Over the years, some scammers have demanded protocol fees ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢10,000, depending on the promises made and the desperation of applicants. Victims often paid multiple instalments, believing they were securing officer roles or fast-tracked enlistment. Payments were usually made in cash or through mobile money without receipts, making prosecution difficult. GAF has repeatedly stressed that recruitment is free and that any demand for payment is illegal.

In a Facebook post on September 29, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi revealed that the government is set to recruit about twelve thousand (12,000) personnel to strengthen the country’s defence. He further disclosed that the cost of recruitment forms has been reduced by 40 percent to ensure wider access and fairness.

“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is undergoing a massive expansion beginning this week. Over the next 3 years, GAF will recruit 12,000 personnel to reinforce our national defence capabilities. In line with H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and fairness, the cost of the recruitment forms has been reduced by over 40% compared to the last recruitment,” the Minister said.

He stressed that the recruitment process remains free of charge and cautioned against fraud.

“Let this be clear: Recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces is NOT for sale, and will NEVER be for sale under our #EagleEyes watch. Any individual or syndicate involved in fraudulent recruitment schemes will be dealt with without mercy. Take note that no recruitment will take place on social media. The process will be transparent and professional,” he emphasised. The Minister also cautioned prospective applicants to be ready for the demands of military life.

“All qualified applicants must be medically fit and be prepared to abandon all hope of normal life! We are building a force that reflects the strength, discipline, and unity of Ghana,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the government has announced the commencement of recruitment for internal security agencies. The one-month recruitment exercise is scheduled to begin on November 15 and end on December 15. This was stated in a formal statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Tuesday, November 4.

The Ministry of the Interior wishes to inform the public that from 15th November to 15th December 2025, applications will be received for recruitment into the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service.

The Ministry explained, “This nationwide recruitment exercise forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana's internal security architecture, enhance public safety, and promote effective service delivery across all security agencies. The Ministry, therefore, invites suitably qualified, disciplined, and patriotic Ghanaian citizens who desire to serve the nation with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to submit their applications within the stated period.”

The statement also warned interested applicants to avoid middlemen who may claim they can influence the recruitment process, adding that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to proceed with the rest of the process.

“Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited for screening, aptitude test, and background verification. Applicants are cautioned not to deal with individuals or groups who claim they can influence the recruitment process for a fee. The Ministry of the Interior and its Agencies do not charge any fee at any stage of the exercise. Any applicant found to have submitted false information or forged documents will be disqualified and may face prosecution. Additionally, applicants who engage middlemen at any stage of the recruitment process will be automatically disqualified from the process,” parts of the statement noted.

The general eligibility requirements for the Ghana Police Service are as follows: “All applicants for the 2025 Ghana Police Service recruitment must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free of any criminal record. They should not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment, and must meet the age limits set for their chosen category by November 1, 2025. Also, male applicants are required to be at least 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, while females must be at least 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). Candidates must be physically and medically fit, have five passes in BECE including English and Mathematics, and be ready to undergo basic police and other specialised training.”

However, the Police Service has five categories of entry, including general duty recruits, tradesmen, graduates (general duty), medical professionals, and religious affairs. Under each of the above-listed categories are specific eligibility requirements as stated by the Interior Ministry. The common qualification across all tradesmen categories states that each applicant must not be more than 35 years old by November 1, 2025, and must possess a technical or vocational certificate (such as GES/COTVET, National Proficiency, City & Guilds, or NVTI) relevant to their trade.

Ghana Prisons

Recruitment into the Ghana Prisons Service also seeks professionals across several disciplines, including General Duties, Agriculture, Education, Legal, and Medical Services. All applicants are expected to be “Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free from any criminal record. Candidates must have completed National Service, be computer literate, and physically and medically fit according to the Prisons Service standards. Applicants should be aged between 18 and 35 years by November 1, 2025, and must not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment. Male applicants must be at least 1.68 metres (5 ft 6 in) tall, while females must be at least 1.57 metres (5 ft 2 in). Candidates must also have an active e-mail account, a mobile phone number, and be ready to undergo paramilitary and physical training. Medical professionals are additionally required to have completed one year post-housemanship in a registered hospital or clinic.”

Applicants seeking entry into the general duties of the service are expected to hold a first degree (at least Second Class Lower Division) in Humanities or Social Sciences and have at least one year of post-qualification work experience. Additional qualifications are considered an advantage.

Interested applicants for the service’s Agriculture and Education sectors are also expected to possess a first degree (Second Class Lower or above) in fields such as Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science, General Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanic, Agribusiness, Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Economics, along with one year of post-qualification experience. Applicants for the Education sector must have qualifications in Basic Education, Early Childhood Education, or Guidance and Counselling, with at least one year of post-qualification experience.

For legal officers, candidates are required to possess a law degree (LLB/BL) and must have been called to the Bar with at least a year of post-qualification experience. Medical professionals are mandated to possess a professional qualification, council registration, and some post-qualification experience.

Ghana National Fire Service

Eligible applicants for the Ghana Fire Service must be Ghanaian by birth, of good character, and free from any criminal record. They must not have been dismissed from any public service or other employment and must meet the age requirements for their category: 18–35 years for Officer Corps, 18–32 years for non-Tradesmen, and 18–35 years for Tradesmen/Artisans, as of 1st November 2025. Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to Fire Service standards and meet the minimum height requirement of 1.73 metres (5 ft 8 in) for males and 1.63 metres (5 ft 4 in) for females. Applicants must also have five credits at BECE and five passes at WASSCE/SSSCE, including English and Mathematics, or the equivalent trade qualifications for Tradesmen/Artisans. Additionally, applicants must not be bonded by any organisation.

Ghana Immigration Service

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) 2025 recruitment exercise is open to applicants under five main categories: General Duties (Graduate and Non-Graduate), Medical, Religious Affairs, and Tradesmen/Artisans. Categories A and B target university graduates ready for officer-level roles and diploma or secondary school graduates joining as recruits, respectively. All applicants interested in any of the five categories are expected to be Ghanaian citizens by birth, have no criminal record, be physically and medically fit, possess good character, not be bonded or dismissed from any public service, and meet the minimum height requirement of 1.68 metres for males and 1.57 metres for females.

The internal security recruitment announcement comes a few days after the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) announced an extension of the date for its originally scheduled one-month recruitment exercise. The national defence force’s recruitment exercise, which was expected to end on October 31, has now been extended to November 7. GAF announced the new date in an official statement shared on November 1 via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The statement, titled “Extension of recruitment deadline” and signed by the Acting Director General, Public Relations, Evelyn Ntiamoah Asamoah, reads:

“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 new deadline is 7 November 2025.”

GAF announced its recruitment on Monday, September 29, in a statement signed by Acting Director General for Public Relations, Veronica Afei Arjun. It outlined a new development in which the recruitment exercise would be conducted in all sixteen (16) regions nationwide.