Omanghana
In the early hours of late February, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Medical Evacuation team successfully airlifted Sarah (Sandra) Baafi Boateng from Kumasi to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra for advanced medical care.
The emergency transfer marks a critical step in ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive treatment to victims of the tragic 2025/2026 GAF recruitment stampede. Sarah, a trained nutritionist and nurse, has reportedly remained bedridden and unconscious for 106 days following injuries sustained during the incident. She was initially treated at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, where medical personnel managed her condition for over three months. However, after a reported deterioration in her health, doctors recommended a transfer to a more specialized and better-equipped facility to improve her chances of recovery.
The decision to move her to Accra was made to allow access to advanced neurological care, specialized intensive care support, and broader multidisciplinary expertise available at the 37 Military Hospital. Upon arrival at the Air Force Base in Accra, Sarah was received by a delegation from the Ministry of Defence led by Brigadier General Ben Gah. After a brief handover process, she was transferred directly to the medical team at the 37 Military Hospital for continued treatment and monitoring. Officials described the evacuation as carefully coordinated to ensure her stability throughout the flight.
The injuries stem from a stampede that occurred on November 12, 2025, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi during a nationwide Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise. Sarah was among five individuals critically injured in the Kumasi incident. The same day also witnessed a separate and more fatal stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, where at least six people lost their lives. The twin tragedies sparked nationwide concern over crowd management and safety protocols during large-scale public recruitment events. The Ministry of Defence has stated that the evacuation is part of broader efforts to ensure all victims of the recruitment tragedy receive sustained medical and welfare support.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to:
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Covering medical expenses for affected individuals
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Monitoring the recovery progress of the injured
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Reviewing safety measures for future recruitment exercises
Sarah’s prolonged condition has drawn sympathy from many across the country, particularly given her professional background in healthcare. Her transfer to Accra is seen as a hopeful step toward improved medical intervention at a critical stage in her recovery.
As treatment continues at the 37 Military Hospital, many Ghanaians are following developments closely, hopeful for positive progress in her condition.
Source: Omanghana
