At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event
At least 6 individuals have died during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," stated a release from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were hurt, among them 5 who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the latest government statistics show, and such recruitment events normally attract massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had faced difficulties in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.
