President John Mahama has directed the Ghana Armed Forces to suspend its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise following reports of injuries and deaths recorded in Accra and Kumasi.

He said the temporary halt would allow for a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that future recruitment processes are conducted under safer and more controlled conditions.

Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme in the Ashanti Region, President Mahama described the development as “deeply regrettable” and stressed the need for reforms to prevent further casualties.

“I have asked the leadership of the Armed Forces to temporarily halt the recruitment exercise and conduct a full investigation. We must take a fresh approach to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not happen again,” he said.

Reports indicate that the recruitment exercise, which drew thousands of applicants across the country, turned chaotic at some centres, leading to stampedes and injuries. In Kumasi and Accra, several young people reportedly collapsed while attempting to enter overcrowded venues.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) clarified that the death toll from the tragic incident at El-Wak Sports Stadium this Wednesday, November 12, remains at six, urging the public to disregard any false or unverified reports circulating about the event.

President Mahama said the safety of prospective recruits must remain a top priority, adding that the military’s recruitment process should reflect professionalism, discipline, and respect for human life.

He also urged the Defence Ministry and the Ghana Armed Forces to review their crowd management and screening procedures before resuming the exercise.

The president’s directive comes amid growing public concern over the handling of mass recruitment exercises, which often attract large turnouts due to high youth unemployment and limited job openings in the security services.

The Ghana Armed Forces has yet to issue an official response to the president’s directive.