Policy think tank CUTS International Accra has called on Parliament to amend the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), to include stricter health and safety requirements for public event organisers following the tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium during a military recruitment exercise.
The incident, which claimed six lives, five at the Intensive Care Unit, and 12 in critical condition, has reignited public concern over Ghana’s poor crowd management and emergency preparedness.
In a statement signed by West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International, Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, expressed sadness over the deaths, describing the tragedy as another reminder of the country’s weak institutional systems.
“This tragedy once again exposes Ghana’s poor preparedness and lack of effective crowd control systems,” the statement said. “From churches and funerals to schools and job recruitments, large gatherings continue to take place in unsafe spaces without proper safety protocols or emergency exits.”
The organisation said it was time for Ghana to adopt a proactive approach to public safety rather than waiting for disasters to prompt reforms. Citing international examples, CUTS noted that countries such as the United Kingdom and India have enacted strong safety laws after similar tragedies, requiring event organisers to meet clear standards before hosting large gatherings.
CUTS is therefore proposing that Parliament amend Act 491 to: Expand the definition of “special events” to include religious, social, and sporting gatherings;
Empower the Police and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce safety standards at public events;
Mandate organisers to meet basic safety requirements such as multiple exits, fire systems, and evacuation drills before approval; and Close down venues that fail to comply with safety standards.
The organisation further recommended the adoption of digital booking systems across public institutions to reduce overcrowding, citing the Passport Office’s appointment model as a successful example.”
It also called for stronger accountability measures, stressing that event organisers and institutions that fail to ensure safety should face administrative or legal sanctions under the principle of occupiers’ liability.
“Public safety must not depend on chance or sympathy after a tragedy,” the statement added. “Citizens deserve safe, efficient, and respectful service. Respect for time and safety should be recognised as a fundamental consumer right.”
Mr. Adomako urged the government to develop a National Policy on Crowd Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Service Efficiency, saying the lives lost at El-Wak must not be in vain.
“We should not wait for another tragedy before acting. The lives lost in preventable situations are the price of regulatory and institutional neglect,” he said.
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
