At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
No fewer than 6 individuals have lost their lives during a stampede at a military recruitment 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 gates," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 others were hurt, among them 5 who remain in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent official data show, and such recruitment events normally draw large crowds and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush occurred before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the injured in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
