At Least 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
At least six individuals have lost their lives amid a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two others were injured, among them five who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the latest official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically attract massive gatherings and often result in chaotic scenes.
The closing date to apply for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now begun.
