The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has described the stampede that led to the death of six individuals during the recruitment exercise organised by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as unfortunate.
The non-partisan, non-governmental civil organization founded to promote civil engagement and participation in public administration believes the incident was avoidable.
In a statement, CenPOA took a swipe at the GAF stating that it is disappointing that an institution known for its discipline presided over a recruitment that resulted in preventable deaths due to poor planning and gross negligence.
“CenPOA condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the lack of fortitude, preparedness, and competence demonstrated by the Ghana Armed Forces in organizing such a critical national exercise. It is deeply disappointing that an institution mandated to protect lives and uphold discipline could preside over an event that resulted in preventable deaths due to poor planning and gross negligence.”
Signed by Michael Donyina Mensah, the Executive Director, CenPOA’s statement slammed the GAF for shifting the blame to the victims of the stampede.
“Equally troubling is the tone of the military’s initial press statement, which appears to shift blame onto the very victims of this unfortunate event — the innocent potential recruits. This posture is both unprofessional and insensitive. The Armed Forces must take full responsibility for this tragedy and issue an unreserved public apology to the bereaved families and the nation.”
He called for an independent inquiry into the incident to ensure accountability and justice especially for the affected victims.
“CenPOA therefore calls for an independent public inquiry into the recruitment stampede to ensure accountability, justice for the victims, and concrete reforms to prevent a recurrence. The Ghanaian people deserve answers and assurances that their Armed Forces are capable of handling such national responsibilities with the highest level of competence and care.”
Touching on the recruitment exercise, he lamented that recruitment into the GAF has been politicized and if left unchecked, it poses a serious threat to the integrity and professionalism of the Forces.
“Moreover, CenPOA is deeply alarmed by growing indications that the military recruitment process has become politicized. This development, if left unchecked, poses a serious threat to the integrity, professionalism, and neutrality of the Armed Forces. Recruitment into the military must be based strictly on merit, fairness, and transparency — not political influence or favoritism.”
He stated also that the GAF owes Ghanaians an apology over what had happened.
“The Armed Forces owe the nation an explanation, an apology, and a renewed commitment to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and responsibility.”
CenPOA extended condolences to the families of the deceased individuals.
“CenPOA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the six young Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives during in today Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise. This incident is a national tragedy that should never have happened.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
