No Fewer Than 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than 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 entrances," stated a release from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, including five who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the latest government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives normally draw massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred ahead of the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the injured in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
