Military recruitment: Ken Agyapong accuses gov’t, GAF of favouritism

Former Assin Central Member of Parliament and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has publicly accused the National Democratic Congress government and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of favouritism in the ongoing recruitment exercise, claiming that many applicants have little chance of success because “positions have already been pre-selected.”

Speaking on Wednesday during his campaign tour in the Suhum Constituency, Kennedy Agyapong suggested that while the recruitment portal appears open to all Ghanaians, it is largely a facade, intended to give the impression of fairness while applicants are systematically rejected.

“The sad part in all this is that they have already selected persons for the recruitment backdoor. I am a politician and I can tell you that what is currently ongoing is a facade because I have been there before,” he said in Twi.

Allegations Of Political Manipulation

The outspoken politician argued that applicants endure hours of waiting in the sun, only to be told that they do not meet the required qualifications.

According to Kennedy Agyapong, this practice has been used by successive governments to sidestep accusations of discrimination, while key positions are allegedly allocated through political connections or other unofficial channels.

“They will tell you after all the stress you’ve gone through that you don’t qualify. This is the trick politicians have been using to avoid accusations from the public that they are discriminating. And all those who died, died for nothing,” Kennedy Agyapong lamented, referencing the tragic stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium that claimed six lives and injured dozens more during the recruitment exercise.

Focus On Leadership And Accountability

Kennedy Agyapong expressed concern that poor leadership and mismanagement have exacerbated the tragedy.

He emphasized the need for strict accountability in recruitment processes and vowed to punish officials who exploit applicants if he assumes the presidency.

“When I become President, I will lock up any appointee who engages in making money during recruitment exercises. This is why high-profile politicians do not like me. Because I am bold and confident in everything I say,” he asserted.

The El-Wak Stampede

The stampede occurred on November 12, 2025, amid a nationwide recruitment exercise by the Ghana Armed Forces.

Thousands of applicants had gathered at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, leading to overcrowding and chaos at the entry points. Six applicants lost their lives, while dozens were injured, some critically.

The tragedy has sparked national outrage, with civil society groups, applicants, and political leaders calling for reforms in recruitment processes, improved crowd management, and accountability for officials involved.