No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a release from the nation's military.
22 others were injured, among them five who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and frequently result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to allow for more applicants, as some had experienced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the injured in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.
