At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
At least six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "tragic" event seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and rushed into the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were hurt, including five who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the latest government statistics show, and such enlistment drives normally attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
