No Fewer Than 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than 6 people have died amid a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, among them five who are in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events normally draw large crowds and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a week to allow for additional candidates, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since started.
