No Fewer Than 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
At least six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," announced a release from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, including five who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives normally attract massive gatherings and often result in chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as some had experienced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
