El-Wak Stadium Stampede: Ntim Fordjour Attributes Tragedy Partly to Absence of Substantive Defence Minister in Ghana

In the wake of the devastating El-Wak tragedy at El-Wak Sports Stadium, where a chaotic stampede occurred during a military recruitment drive, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has pointed to governmental shortcomings. This incident underscores critical issues in administrative leadership within Ghana’s Defence Ministry. Discover how the lack of a substantive Defence Minister contributed to the mishap and what it means for national security oversight.

Introduction

The El-Wak Sports Stadium stampede, a heartbreaking event in Ghana, has sparked intense debate on public safety and ministerial accountability. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, a prominent voice on parliamentary oversight, partially blames the tragedy on the government’s prolonged failure to appoint a full-time, substantive Minister for Defence. This vacuum followed the tragic helicopter crash on August 6 that claimed the life of the previous minister, Dr. Omane Boamah.

During a live appearance on PleasureNews Midday News, Fordjour highlighted how this leadership gap led to inadequate coordination in sensitive operations like military recruitment. For those unfamiliar, a substantive Defence Minister refers to a permanently appointed official vetted and approved by Parliament, as opposed to an acting minister handling duties temporarily. This distinction is vital in high-stakes portfolios like defence, where strategic decisions impact national security.

Background on the El-Wak Incident

The stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium unfolded amid a recruitment exercise for the Ghana Armed Forces. Overcrowding and poor management reportedly triggered the chaos, resulting in casualties and injuries. Fordjour described the situation as “very dangerous and risky,” emphasizing the need for robust leadership to prevent such outcomes.

Analysis

To fully grasp Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s critique, consider the timeline and structural challenges within Ghana’s Defence Ministry. Since Dr. Omane Boamah’s death over three months prior to the incident, no permanent replacement had been nominated. Instead, Finance Minister Atto Forson was assigned as acting Defence Minister—a dual role Fordjour deems unsustainable.

Ghana’s constitutional framework under Article 78 requires the President to appoint ministers subject to parliamentary approval. This process ensures accountability but can delay substantive appointments during transitions. Fordjour lamented the Minority’s repeated, goodwill-based advice ignored by the government, creating an “administrative vacuum” that hampered tactical oversight.

Impact of Acting Ministers on Defence Operations

Acting ministers, while necessary for continuity, often lack the full authority or focus required for complex tasks. In defence, this includes coordinating recruitment drives, which demand precise logistics, security protocols, and inter-agency collaboration. Fordjour argued that a substantive minister could have provided the “needed direction” for a well-orchestrated process, potentially averting the El-Wak stampede.

Pedagogically, think of ministerial roles like a ship’s captain: an acting captain might steer temporarily, but prolonged absence risks navigational errors. Fordjour’s analysis reveals how divided attention—especially with Forson’s demanding Finance portfolio—undermines effective governance.

Summary

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour attributes part of the El-Wak tragedy to the three-month absence of a substantive Defence Minister after Dr. Omane Boamah’s fatal crash. He criticized the assignment of Finance Minister Atto Forson to the acting role, citing workload conflicts, and urged immediate appointment to restore balance and prevent future incidents. This commentary aired on PleasureNews Midday News, reflecting broader concerns on parliamentary oversight in Ghana’s security sector.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Learning from the stampede at El-Wak Sports Stadium, governments and security agencies can adopt best practices for high-risk public events like recruitment drives. Here’s actionable guidance rooted in governance principles:

Strengthening Ministerial Appointments

Prioritize swift nominations for critical portfolios. In Ghana, Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee plays a key role in vetting—expedite hearings without compromising scrutiny. Establish interim protocols for acting ministers, limiting dual roles in overburdened ministries like Finance.

Enhancing Recruitment Safety

Implement phased registration, capacity limits, and real-time crowd monitoring using technology like CCTV and barriers. Train personnel in crowd control, drawing from international standards by organizations like the Ghana Police Service and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

For citizens, arrive early with verified documents and heed official announcements to minimize risks during such events.

Points of Caution

The El-Wak incident highlights perils of leadership gaps in defence:

• Administrative Vacuum Risks: Delays in substantive appointments can erode operational readiness, as seen in uncoordinated recruitment.
• Dual Roles Overload: Assigning acting duties to ministers with heavy portfolios, like Finance, invites divided attention and errors.
• Public Safety Hazards: Military recruitment stampedes signal broader issues in event management; ignoring advisory input from opposition committees fosters preventable tragedies.
• National Security Implications: Prolonged vacancies weaken strategic oversight, potentially affecting border security and emergency responses.

Citizens and stakeholders should monitor parliamentary proceedings for accountability, advocating for timely appointments.

Comparison

Comparing the Ghana Defence Ministry vacancy to historical precedents reveals patterns. In 2020, after a ministerial reshuffle, temporary defence leadership faced criticism during COVID-19 military deployments, though no major incidents occurred. Globally, Nigeria’s 2015 defence vacancy post reshuffle coincided with Boko Haram escalations, underscoring risks.

Ghana vs. Regional Peers

In contrast to Kenya, where substantive appointments averaged under two months during transitions, Ghana’s three-month delay stands out. South Africa’s model mandates 30-day limits on acting ministers, preventing vacuums. Fordjour’s call aligns with these benchmarks, promoting stability in defence operations.

Legal Implications

While no direct legal violations occurred, the scenario raises constitutional concerns under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Article 196 mandates parliamentary approval for ministers, but prolonged acting arrangements test executive accountability. Fordjour’s critique invokes Article 103(6), empowering committees like Defence and Interior for oversight.

Failure to act promptly could invite judicial review if linked to negligence, as in past cases like the 2017 stadium disaster probes. No criminal liability is implied here, but it bolsters calls for legislative reforms on acting minister tenures.

Conclusion

The El-Wak tragedy serves as a stark reminder of substantive leadership’s role in preventing chaos during critical operations. Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s measured blame on the Defence Ministry vacancy, coupled with his push for a permanent appointment, fosters healthier democratic discourse. By addressing these gaps, Ghana can fortify its security apparatus, ensuring safer recruitment drives and robust national defence. Stakeholders must prioritize nominations to honor the lessons from El-Wak Sports Stadium.

FAQ