No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six individuals have died during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," announced a release from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, among them five who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and frequently result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said 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.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now started.