At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
At least six individuals have died amid a stampede at a military recruitment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "tragic" 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.
22 additional individuals were hurt, among them five who are in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about thirty-two percent, the latest official data show, and such recruitment events normally attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.
