Presidential candidate for The New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, has condemned what he describes as the “nation’s neglect of its youth” following a tragic stampede during the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise that claimed six lives and left dozens injured.
In a strongly worded statement titled “A Nation’s Neglect of Its Youth,” the business magnate and political leader expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident, calling it a reflection of a much deeper national failure.
“These were ambitious youth, desperate for a chance to serve their country and secure a livelihood in a nation that has too often failed to provide either,” Bediako said. “My blood boils when I see headlines like this. Year after year, we mourn similar incidents, and yet nothing changes.”
According to Bediako, the tragedy goes beyond poor organization and inadequate safety protocols. He described it as “a symptom of a governance crisis,” arguing that Ghana’s persistent unemployment and lack of opportunities are the real culprits.
He criticized successive governments for failing to create sustainable jobs and industries, while continuing to hand over the nation’s natural resources to foreign interests for minimal returns. “While thousands scramble for a handful of military positions, governments past and present busily sign away our nation’s precious natural resources, such as lithium, for pennies in royalties,” he stated.
The New Force leader lamented that Ghana, despite being rich in minerals and human talent, continues to act “poor in foresight and leadership.” He urged the government to focus on industrialization, value addition, and local empowerment as long-term solutions to youth unemployment.
“If Ghana were truly committed to industrializing and adding value locally, the youth would not be stampeding at recruitment centers; they would be working in factories, research labs, and technology hubs powered by Ghanaian ingenuity,” he emphasized.
Bediako also faulted the organizers of the recruitment exercise for failing to anticipate the turnout and implement effective safety measures. “Such disregard for human life is unacceptable and unforgivable,” he said.
Referencing The Twelve Pillars—his proposed framework for national transformation—Bediako said his plan represents “the clarity, courage, and vision that Ghana desperately needs.” The pillars, he explained, provide a roadmap toward self-reliance, industrialization, and national dignity.
He concluded by urging leaders and citizens alike to take the incident as a national wake-up call rather than another fleeting tragedy.
“The youth of Ghana deserve more than empty promises and preventable tragedies. They deserve jobs, dignity, and a country that values their lives,” Bediako declared. “No dream of serving one’s nation should ever end in death.”
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