At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
At least six individuals have died amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 others were injured, among them five who remain in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, as some had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now begun.
