At Least 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than six individuals have died during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" event seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two others were injured, among them five who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the latest official data show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as some had faced challenges in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since begun.
