At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than 6 people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident appeared 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.
Twenty-two others were injured, including five who are in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the aspiration of enlisting in the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw large crowds and often lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as some had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.