At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
At least six individuals have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of applicants who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 others were injured, among them five who are in serious state.
A large crowd had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred ahead of the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
