At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
At least six people have died amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including five who are in serious state.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives normally draw massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a week to accommodate additional candidates, as some had faced challenges in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now begun.
