The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has provided details of the medical, financial and welfare assistance extended to Sandra Baafi Boateng, a victim of the November 2025 military recruitment stampede at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, following public concerns about her condition and ongoing care. Editorial Standards
In a statement released on Friday, November 13, 2026, the military rejected suggestions that it had abandoned the 25 year old and outlined the interventions it had undertaken since she sustained serious injuries during the recruitment exercise.
The clarification comes after a social media publication about Sandra’s condition attracted widespread attention, with her family appealing for public support to help meet the cost of her continued care.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, Sandra was initially admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi on November 12, 2025, the day of the incident. She remained at the facility until February 26, 2026, when arrangements were made to transfer her to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
The military explained that the transfer was undertaken following a request from her family for further medical attention at the military facility. It subsequently arranged an air medical evacuation, with the associated medical expenses covered by the Armed Forces.
In its statement, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of the Department of Public Relations, the GAF disclosed that it fully covered GH¢100,000 in medical expenses relating to Sandra’s treatment.
The military further indicated that after her discharge from the 37 Military Hospital, arrangements were made for the 4 Medical Reception Station in Kumasi to continue providing medical attention until she fully recovers.
The assurance, according to the Armed Forces, demonstrates that its responsibility towards the injured victim did not end with her discharge from hospital.
The military also highlighted the additional support provided to Sandra’s family to ease some of the financial and practical challenges associated with her condition.
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, a presentation ceremony was organised at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces, where Sandra’s mother received GH¢30,000 in financial assistance.
She was also given an air bed intended to improve her daughter’s comfort and support her care at home. The military disclosed that it offered the family a wheelchair, but the offer was declined because they already had one.
The Armed Forces also offered to transport Sandra from Accra to Kumasi using a military ambulance. However, her family preferred to travel with the National Ambulance Service, a decision the military said it respected.
Beyond the direct medical and financial interventions, the GAF disclosed that it had extended support to another member of Sandra’s household through a recruitment opportunity.
Under an arrangement introduced to support families of victims affected by the recruitment exercise, a nominated family member was offered an opportunity to join the military.
Sandra’s sister, Mercy Bioh, accepted the opportunity and is currently undergoing training at the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills.
The military said it remains committed to working with the family to ensure that Sandra receives the necessary medical attention and welfare support throughout her recovery.
Meanwhile, Sandra’s family has continued to appeal for assistance as they face the demands of caring for her at home.
In a fundraising appeal organised by her brother, Prince Agyenim Boateng, the family is seeking £20,000 to support her ongoing care. The appeal describes her condition as severely limiting, stating that she remains bedridden and unable to walk or speak. Editorial Standards
Sandra had reportedly completed her nursing training and was awaiting posting when she attended the recruitment exercise, hoping to serve the country as a military nurse.
Her situation has renewed public discussion about the long-term responsibilities of institutions towards people who sustain serious injuries during official recruitment exercises.
The Kumasi incident occurred on November 12, 2025, during the Ghana Armed Forces’ nationwide recruitment exercise. On the same day, a separate and deadlier stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra claimed the lives of six young women.
The two incidents raised concerns about crowd management, recruitment procedures and the safety arrangements provided for thousands of applicants seeking opportunities in the military.
In March 2026, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh informed Parliament that the government was covering Sandra’s medical expenses and remained prepared to facilitate treatment abroad if recommended by medical professionals.
The latest GAF statement therefore provides an account of the assistance the military says it has offered while responding to renewed concerns about her welfare.
Although the Armed Forces maintains that it has continued supporting Sandra and her family, the situation highlights the importance of sustained medical care, transparent communication and effective welfare arrangements for victims of major public incidents.
For Sandra’s family, the immediate concern remains securing the resources and medical attention necessary to improve her condition and make her continued care manageable.
The military has reiterated its commitment to supporting her recovery, but the public will continue to watch how that commitment translates into long-term assistance for the injured recruitment victim.