At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
At least six people have died amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a statement from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were injured, including 5 who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, 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 official data show, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to allow for more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now begun.
