In the United Kingdom, the regular army has fallen from 110,000 personnel in 2010 to 73,000 in 2024. British Defence Minister Al Khan has warned that the army, at its current size, could be depleted within six months to a year in a major conflict .

Russia, despite facing similar demographic pressures, has intensified overseas recruitment. 

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, about 1,400 African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces. While some joined for ideological reasons, many were reportedly drawn by higher pay amid limited job prospects at home.

Africa’s labor force is projected to expand by 541 million over the next 25 years, even as the European Union ’s workforce is expected to shrink by 24 million. 

President John Mahama, addressing the tragedy, described the deaths as "a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation."

“The tragic news is that I have been informed by the military that six young women, who simply sought an opportunity to serve their nation, lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. We are praying for the 12 others who remain in critical condition,” Mahama said.

Recruitment exercise suspended

In response to the tragedy, President Mahama has directed the Armed Forces to temporarily suspend the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.

“I have asked the leadership of the Armed Forces to temporarily halt the recruitment exercise and conduct a full investigation. We must take a fresh approach to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not happen again,” he added .

The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the incident in an official statement, expressing deep regret and announcing the suspension of the Accra leg of the recruitment exercise.

"The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public that due to the fatal incident that occurred at the El-Wak Sports Stadium this morning... the exercise in Greater Accra has been temporarily suspended. This is to allow for additional measures to ensure a seamless exercise," the statement read in part.

A Board of Inquiry has been constituted to investigate the events that led to the stampede.

Calls for safer recruitment measures

President Mahama emphasised the need for improved crowd management and safety planning for all future public recruitment or national mobilisation events.

Meanwhile, the injured receive treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

The military has assured the public that recruitment activities in the remaining 15 regions will continue under enhanced safety protocols.

However, Kibet says those papers were to enlist him in the Russian military.

After that, he says, his passport and phone were seized. He was moved to a military camp, where he was told he had one choice: fight or face death.

Fleeing the journey to his first mission, he approached Ukrainian soldiers with his hands up, pleading, “I’m Kenyan, don’t shoot.” He is now held in Ukraine, where he repeats that he never intended to join the military. His insights , posted by the Ukrainian army, remain unverified independently.

Russia’s foreign ministry has denied allegations that it uses visa renewals to coerce or trick foreign nationals into combat roles. Still, Evans’ story fits a pattern that international investigators and media outlets say is emerging.

By mid-2024, investigative outlet The Insider reported that over 600 African nationals were fighting for Russia. Many alleged coercion or deceit in how they were recruited.

Some accepted offers of high pay, passports, or promises of education and jobs. Others say they were lured in under false pretences.

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has issued reports that Moscow has intensified recruitment campaigns in African countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, and Burundi. Promised benefits include monthly pay, health insurance, and Russian citizenship for recruits and even their families.

Still, many recruited under such terms find themselves in life-or-death situations, with few avenues for escape or return. Evans’ case brings a human face to what researchers say is a growing global concern.