At Least 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
At least 6 people have died during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 others were injured, including 5 who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent official data show, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the application procedure.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred 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 medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since started.