No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a release from the nation's military.
Twenty-two additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this event was extended by a week to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since started.
