At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
At least six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the gates," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two others were hurt, including five who remain in serious state.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the latest government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives normally draw massive gatherings and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a week to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has since started.
