At Least 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than six people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were injured, including five who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent official data show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the injured in medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now begun.
