At Least Six Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than six people have died amid a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were injured, including five who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the latest government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives typically draw large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
