CUTS International Accra, a leading research and public policy think tank, is calling on Parliament to amend the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491) by expanding the scope of “special events” and including health and safety requirements that public event organisers must adhere to.
According to a statement issued and signed by Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, the Director of West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, “is deeply saddened by the deaths recorded during today’s military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Stadium, which led to the loss of six job seekers, with some in critical condition. This tragedy once again exposes Ghana’s weak institutional preparedness and poor crowd management systems.”
From churches and funerals to conferences, schools, and job recruitments, large numbers of people continue to gather in poorly planned spaces without safety protocols or emergency exits. Many halls and auditoriums have only one entry and exit point, turning them into potential death traps during emergencies. The confusion seen during this year’s Senior High School reporting exercise, where parents and students queued for over 12 hours to complete registration, is another clear example of poor coordination and disregard for citizens’ time and safety.
Ghana has experienced this before. It took the May 9th Stadium Disaster in 2001, which claimed 126 lives, for authorities to act and improve crowd safety in sports facilities. Two decades later, little has changed in other sectors. We seem to be waiting for another May 9th moment in different settings before taking action. This reactive approach to public safety must end.
In the United Kingdom, after the Hillsborough Disaster of 1989, the government introduced the Safety of Sports Grounds Act, giving local authorities the legal power to inspect, regulate, and certify stadiums and other large venues. Event organisers are required to obtain a Safety Certificate, provide multiple emergency exits, and conduct regular inspections and evacuation drills. In India, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) requires organisers of large gatherings to submit Venue Safety Plans specifying maximum capacity, exit routes, and on-site medical facilities, which must be approved before any event. The law also mandates trained stewards, CCTV monitoring, and regular safety simulations.
CUTS is therefore calling on the Government of Ghana to introduce a National Policy on Crowd Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Service Efficiency and seek to amend Act 491, with the following key measures:
Amend the Public Order Act (Act 491).
The Ministry of Interior should consult widely on amending the Act to expand the definition of “special events” to cover religious, social, and sporting gatherings. The amendment should require organisers of public events to comply with basic safety and security standards. Event premises did that does not meet emergency safety standards must be closed down until remedial measures complied with. Currently, the Act focuses heavily on the police and overlooks the role of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in enforcement. By expanding the scope, the law will ensure that organisers are legally obligated to protect the health and safety of participants. The capacity of MMDAs should also be strengthened to supervise and enforce compliance.
Empower the Police and Local Authorities to Enforce Safety Standards.
The Police and MMDAs should have clear authority to enforce crowd safety measures in public places, including churches, mosques, and conventions. The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) should develop a safety compliance framework for adoption. This should include multiple emergency exits, clear signage, fire systems, and periodic evacuation drills. Venues that fail inspections should be closed until they comply.
Use Technology to Reduce Overcrowding
Public service institutions should deploy digital booking systems to manage crowds. The Passport Office has demonstrated that appointment systems improve efficiency and reduce congestion. Similar systems should be adopted by other agencies to ensure safety and respect for time. Whilst the Ghana Armed Forces has decentralized its recruitment, it could have set a daily threshold by refusing entry to the venue once the designated capacity is reached.
Ensure Accountability for Negligence
Event organisers and institutions have a duty of care under the common law principle of occupiers’ liability. Those who fail to meet approved safety standards must face administrative or legal sanctions. Public safety must not depend on chance or sympathy after a tragedy.
Recognize Time and Safety as Consumer Rights
Citizens deserve safe, efficient, and respectful service. Spending long hours in queues to access basic services is unacceptable and reflects weak institutional management. Respect for time and safety should be recognised as part of consumer protection in public service delivery.
Whilst we mourn the tragic loss of lives of these innocent job seekers, we must let them die in vain. We should not wait for another tragedy before acting. The lives lost in preventable situations are the price of regulatory and institutional neglect. A strong national framework that enforces planning, simulation, and accountability will save lives and rebuild public confidence.
Signed
Appiah Kusi Adomako
Director, West Africa Regional Centre
CUTS International, Accra
P. O. Box AN 6156, Accra North
Email: accra@cuts.org | Website: www.cuts-accra.org
