The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has emphasized the need for the nation to rethink its recruitment process.
Addressing the media after visiting victims of the El-Wak stampede at the 37 Military Hospital on November 12, the Speaker stressed the importance of putting in place measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Speaker Bagbin, the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahuma Djietro, and members of the Parliamentary leadership were at the 37 Military Hospital to check on victims of the El-Wak stampede.
Their visit followed a briefing by the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who informed Parliament about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The stampede claimed six lives and left twenty-eight others injured, with five in critical condition. As of Wednesday afternoon, most of the patients had been resuscitated, while those in critical condition had been stabilized.
Health personnel continued to attend to victims with multiple injuries as the Speaker and his team interacted with survivors.
Visibly disturbed by the situation, the Speaker called for a comprehensive review of recruitment procedures into the security services, urging a safer and more organized approach that prioritizes human life.
He also appealed for resources and support to be directed toward the recovery and rehabilitation of survivors.
The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahuma Djietro, on behalf of Parliament, announced a donation of 100,000 cedis to help cover the medical expenses of the victims.
The visit by the Speaker and his team highlights Parliament’s concern over the recurring tragedies associated with recruitment exercises in the country.
As investigations continue, many are calling for a national review of recruitment practices to ensure transparency, safety, and dignity in future exercises, preventing the needless loss of lives in the quest for employment.
