At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
At least 6 individuals have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
Twenty-two 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, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and frequently result in chaotic scenes.
The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a week to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has since begun.
