No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
At least six people have died during a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the gates," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, among them five who are in serious state.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives normally draw large crowds and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for more applicants, as some had experienced difficulties in the application procedure.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has since started.
