At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than 6 people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a release from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including five who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to allow for more applicants, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since started.
