No Fewer Than 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than 6 people have lost their lives amid a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, among them five who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent official data show, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and frequently result in chaotic scenes.
The deadline to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to accommodate more applicants, as some had experienced challenges in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since started.
