Stampede: Government offer enlistment to families of El-Wak victims

The families of the six women who perished in the stampede at El-Wak Stadium have been asked by the government to provide the names of eligible family members for enlistment in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

While visiting the family of one of the victims at Eyan Maim in the Central Region to offer condolences, Deputy Defense Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi made this announcement.

President Mahama’s decision to give the bereaved families an automatic slot was communicated to the family by the Deputy Minister, who also expressed the President’s condolences.

“Due to what happened, the recruitment in Accra has been suspended by the President, so that we will ensure that measures are put in place to avoid a repeat of such incidents.”

“The President has sent us to inform you that the State will stand with the families in the burial and funeral arrangements for the families. The President has also asked us to inform you that all those who wanted to wear the military uniform but died in the process, their families should present a replacement for those people to be absorbed into the military.

“So, the authorities representing the government in the region will engage you in that regard for the family to decide on who can be enrolled into the military,” he said.

Thousands of young Ghanaians flocked to the stadium in an attempt to join the military, causing the stampede. There were numerous injuries and fatalities as a result of the commotion caused by the big throng and the fierce jostling at admission gates.

Six deaths were reported by the military, while twenty-eight people were treated at the 37 Military Hospital. Twelve of them are still in critical condition, and five are in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com