At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event
At least six people have died during a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the gates," announced a statement from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were injured, including 5 who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, 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 recruitment events typically draw large crowds and frequently result in chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader John Mahama has visited the injured in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has since begun.
