At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
At least six individuals have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The midweek "tragic" incident appeared to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," announced a release from the nation's military.
Twenty-two additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who are in serious state.
A large crowd had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw massive gatherings and often result in chaotic scenes.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.
