At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than 6 people have died during a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were injured, including five who are in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events normally attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.