Jonathan Awewomom is a Governance Advocate and Research Scientist
Governance Advocate and Research Scientist based in Miami, Florida -USA, Jonathan Awewomom, has condemned the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths recorded during the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise held on Thursday, describing the incident as ‘unfortunate but entirely avoidable’.
He expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, describing the deceased persons as ‘vibrant and hopeful young Ghanaians who simply wanted to serve their country’.
While acknowledging the leadership of the GAF and the national authorities overseeing the exercise, he stressed that the issue goes beyond individual failings and reflects a long-standing pattern of systemic inefficiencies.
According to him, Ghana continues to operate with outdated and reactive approaches in many public service sectors, resulting in long queues, disorganisation and dangerous overcrowding.
He cited national service registration, Ghana Card acquisition and other public services as processes that frequently subject citizens to extreme delays and physical discomfort.
“This is 2025, but we still take pride in making people queue under the sun for hours. Our systems are not failing by accident they are failing by design,” he said, adding that the tragedy highlights a broader lack of proactive planning, innovation and digitisation.
He argued that the victims were ordinary job seekers hoping for dignity and opportunity, yet they became casualties of a system that has refused to modernise.
The recurring nature of such incidents, he noted, is ‘a scar on the conscience of the nation’.
Drawing comparisons with recruitment models in developed countries, he explained that nations such as the United States prescreen applicants online, administer digital aptitude tests and invite only shortlisted candidates for physical assessments measures that prevent mass congestion and reduce risks.
Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang visits El-Wak stampede victims
He urged Ghana’s leadership to prioritise preventive planning rather than reacting after tragedies occur, emphasising the need for digital solutions and structured recruitment processes.
“These young people could have been future military leaders, scientists, teachers or innovators. We cannot continue to sacrifice our youth on the altar of poor planning and archaic procedures”, he lamented.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces has since paused the recruitment process while reviewing the events that led to the fatalities.
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MRA/EB
President Mahama visits 37 Military Hospital to console El-Wak stampede victims
