Kumasi Stampede: Family Appeals to Mahama, GAF Over 25-Year-Old Nursing Graduate’s Condition

The family of a 25-year-old nursing graduate who suffered critical injuries during a stampede at the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) recruitment exercise in Kumasi is appealing for assistance one year after the incident left her bedridden.

Sandra Baafi Boateng, who had hoped to join the military as a nurse, has reportedly remained confined to her bed since sustaining severe injuries during the recruitment exercise at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on November 12, 2025.

The family’s difficult situation was brought back into the spotlight by a relative, Nancy Agyenim Boateng, in a Facebook post marking the first anniversary of the tragedy.

According to Nancy, Sandra had decided to apply to the Ghana Armed Forces after completing her nursing training while awaiting her professional posting.

However, her ambition to serve the country was disrupted when she became one of the victims of the stampede at the recruitment centre.

Reflecting on the family’s ordeal over the past year, Nancy described the period as extremely challenging, marked by repeated medical assessments, uncertainty and emotional distress.

She disclosed that Sandra had spent the entire year receiving care while remaining unable to speak, walk or regain full consciousness.

Nancy expressed sadness over the dramatic change in Sandra’s condition, noting that the young woman who once aspired to become a military nurse now struggles with basic activities.

She also raised concerns about the medical attention available to Sandra, alleging that doctors had discharged her from the hospital despite her critical condition.

Beyond the medical challenges, Nancy said the incident had placed an enormous financial, emotional and psychological burden on the family, which continues to struggle with the demands of caring for Sandra.

She has consequently appealed to the Ghana Armed Forces and relevant government authorities to intervene and ensure that Sandra receives the medical assistance required to improve her condition.

Despite the difficulties, Nancy said the family remained hopeful and continued to rely on prayers as they sought support for Sandra’s recovery.

The incident occurred on November 12, 2025, during the Ghana Armed Forces’ 2025/2026 recruitment exercise, which attracted thousands of applicants to screening centres across the country.

At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, five applicants were reportedly injured during a stampede, according to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene.

The incident happened on the same day another stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra resulted in the deaths of six applicants, while several others sustained injuries.

The tragedy in Accra triggered investigations and the suspension of recruitment activities in the Greater Accra Region as authorities moved to review safety arrangements surrounding the exercise.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/GAF-Stampede-Family-seeks-help-for-Sandra-Baafi-Boateng-one-year-after-Kumasi-tragedy-2060993

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