Hours after the military confirmed the tragic death of six young women following a stampede during a recruitment exercise into the Armed Forces, Head of the Business and Economic Bureau at GUTA, Charles Kusi Appiah-Kubi, described the incident as “sad and pathetic.”
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, thousands of young Ghanaians gathered at the El-Wak Stadium in hopes of securing a position in the Armed Forces, a step toward serving their country and achieving financial stability.
Tragically, the event turned deadly when a stampede broke out, claiming the lives of six women and leaving several others injured.
The news sent shockwaves across the nation. President John Mahama was among the officials who visited and commiserated with the victims, many of whom had been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Speaking on the BigIssue segment on TV3’s morning show, NewDay, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Appiah-Kubi criticized the state for its failure to safeguard the lives of its citizens.
He attributed the tragedy to poor management by state authorities responsible for public welfare.
“People were tasked with protecting lives and they failed. They should be held responsible. There’s no need to waste time on committees. This should serve as a signal to any state actor who has been given a responsibility, you cannot take it for granted. The way we’re treated when applying for visas is the same way our own state treats us. Are we slaves in our own country?” he quizzed.
He questioned the rationale behind forming a committee to investigate the incident, arguing that accountability should be immediate and direct.
“To see young people who have committed no crime, whose only desire was to serve this country, die in such a manner is truly pathetic. I wish we hadn’t gotten to this point. I know a committee has been set up, but I don’t think that was necessary. The cause is clear, poor people management. Why do we need a committee to investigate this?” Appiah-Kubi stated.
Veep Opoku-Agyemang condoles with families of El-Wak stampede victims
