At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghana Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than six individuals have died during a stampede at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident seems to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including five 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 rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the latest government statistics show, and such recruitment events typically attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
