President John Dramani Mahama Wednesday visited the 37 Military Hospital to commiserate with victims of a stampede that occurred earlier in the day at the Elwak Sports Stadium, during a military recruitment exercise, which claimed six lives and left several others injured.
The President, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyepong, was received at the hospital’s Emergency Unit by senior medical officers and administrators.
The visit followed reports that a large crowd of prospective military recruits had surged towards the entrance of the stadium, resulting in a crush.
President Mahama, after being briefed by the hospital’s medical team on the condition of the injured, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and commended the staff for their swift response in managing the casualties.
He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the Government and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) would work together to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident and strengthen crowd control measures during future recruitment exercises.
Following the President’s visit, Brigadier General Evelyn Abraham Kwabea, the Director-General of the 37 Military Hospital, told the media that six persons were confirmed dead on arrival, while others were receiving treatment for various injuries.
She said additional medical personnel had been mobilised to manage the situation and appealed to the public to remain calm as investigations continued.
Service Chiefs and other senior security officials were also at the hospital during the President’s visit.
The Ghana Armed Forces have expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that all necessary support would be provided to those affected by the tragedy.
Source: GNA