No Fewer Than Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a release from the nation's military.
22 others were hurt, including 5 who are in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events normally attract large crowds and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to apply for this event was prolonged for a seven days to allow for more applicants, as some had experienced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
