At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six individuals have died amid a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" event seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a release from the nation's military.
22 others were hurt, including five who are in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now started.
