TUC Blames Youth Unemployment for Tragic Deaths at GAF Recruitment Exercise
Ghana’s deepening unemployment crisis has taken another tragic turn after six young women lost their lives and several others were injured during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.
Like thousands of other hopeful applicants, the victims had gathered at the stadium in search of one of the few available slots in the security services, an opportunity many young Ghanaians now view as one of the last remaining paths to stable employment.
In a statement, the Trades Union Congress (TUC-Ghana) mourned the deaths and said the incident reflected the growing desperation among young people in their search for work. The union noted that the tragedy exposed not only weaknesses in the management of public recruitment exercises but also the harsh realities of widespread joblessness that continue to push young women and men into risky and overcrowded selection processes.
“This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of the urgent need to address the growing youth unemployment crisis,” the TUC said, stressing that thousands of applicants compete for limited positions simply because the broader economy is unable to absorb them.
Jobs have become so scarce that even recruitment exercises now carry significant risks. Labour analysts say the security services remain among the most sought-after employers due to the perceived stability they offer. With youth unemployment firmly in double digits, poorly coordinated mass recruitment drives have sparked chaos in the past, though rarely with consequences as devastating as this.
The TUC warned that until employment opportunities expand meaningfully, young people will continue to take extreme risks in their pursuit of decent work.
The union has called on the Government, the Ministry of Defence and other authorities to launch a transparent investigation into the incident and ensure accountability. It also urged an immediate review of recruitment procedures to guarantee safety, fairness and order during future exercises.
Looking beyond the tragedy, the TUC stressed the need for long-term interventions to tackle youth unemployment, especially among young women. It called for renewed commitments to sustainable job creation, vocational training and empowerment programmes to support the country’s growing population of job seekers.
For many observers, the El-Wak incident will be remembered not only as a recruitment tragedy but also as a stark symbol of deepening economic frustration. It has revived conversations about joblessness, the vulnerability of the country’s youth and the urgent need for policy measures that protect citizens seeking better opportunities.
The TUC said it stands in solidarity with the affected families and with young people across the country during what it described as a deeply troubling moment for the nation.
