GCBC mourns victims of El-Wak Stadium stampede, calls for accountability and national healing

Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) have expressed deep sorrow following the tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra on Wednesday, November 12, which claimed six lives and left dozens injured during a Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise.

In a statement issued from the Catholic Diocese of Damongo, where the Bishops are holding their Annual Plenary Assembly, the GCBC described themselves as “heartbroken” by the news and extended prayers for the deceased, the injured, and their families.

“We unite our hearts with the bereaved families in grief and lift our prayers to Almighty God for the eternal repose of the departed and the swift recovery of all who are injured,” the Bishops said in the November 13 statement.

According to figures released by the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the incident resulted in 34 casualties: six confirmed deaths, five persons in critical condition, 12 in fairly critical condition, and several others under medical observation. The Minister has also directed an internal investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly crush.

Preliminary reports cited by the BBC suggest that an unexpected surge of applicants attempting to gain entry into the stadium breached security barriers, triggering chaos at the gates. Thousands had gathered at the venue hoping to secure a place in the military.

The Bishops, reflecting on the tragedy, assured the affected families of their spiritual closeness. “As shepherds of the Church in Ghana, we stand in prayerful solidarity with the affected families who mourn, the wounded who struggle to heal, and all who have been shaken by this loss,” they noted.

They further underscored the Church’s commitment to upholding human dignity and called for systems that prioritize safety, accountability, and discipline, values they said are essential for safeguarding the common good.

“May the Lord of Mercy grant rest to the departed, consolation to the afflicted, and wisdom to those entrusted with the nation’s care. May justice and compassion guide our response and bring healing and peace to our land. Amen,” the GCBC concluded.