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A delegation from Ghana’s Ministry of Defence has paid a visit to a young woman who has remained unconscious for months after sustaining injuries during a stampede at a military recruitment exercise in Kumasi.
Twenty-five-year-old Sandra Baafi Boateng has been receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) since the incident occurred on November 12, 2025. She was among five individuals who were critically hurt when a crowd surged at a recruitment centre in the Ashanti Regional capital.
While the four other victims have reportedly recovered and been discharged, Ms Boateng is said to be in a critical state and has yet to regain consciousness.
The delegation was led by the General Officer Commanding Central Command, Brigadier General Albert Sison Ogaja. The team first visited the hospital to assess Ms Boateng’s condition before proceeding to Esaase near Tanoso in the Ashanti Region to meet her family.
Other members of the delegation included Lt Col Jenuni Emmanuel Wumbeidow, Commanding Officer of the 4 Infantry Battalion, and Brigadier General Ben Gah, a Principal Staff Officer at the Ministry of Defence.
Speaking after the visit, Brig. Gen. Gah indicated that the purpose of the engagement was to obtain first-hand information on the victim’s medical status and to brief the acting Defence Minister, Dr Ato Forson, on possible forms of assistance.
He noted that although he is not a medical professional, Ms Boateng’s inability to speak or respond suggests that her condition remains severe. He assured the family that the ministry would evaluate the situation and determine appropriate next steps.
The family says the prolonged hospitalisation has taken a heavy emotional and financial toll. According to her mother, Marcy Boateng, Sandra has not responded to verbal cues since the incident, leaving relatives deeply distressed.
Her father, Baafi Boateng, expressed gratitude for the visit but appealed for urgent medical support above all other considerations. While acknowledging discussions about possible recruitment opportunities for a family member, he stressed that their immediate priority is Sandra’s treatment and recovery.
Brig. Gen. Gah disclosed that one of the options under consideration is facilitating the enlistment of a qualified relative into the Ghana Armed Forces, subject to meeting the required age, educational and medical standards.
The Ministry of Defence says it will continue to monitor developments and explore additional ways to support the family as Sandra Baafi Boateng battles for recovery.
Yaw Boagyan
