No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
At least six people have lost their lives during a stampede at a military recruitment event held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" incident seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 others were injured, among them five who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such enlistment drives normally draw massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now started.
