No Fewer Than 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
At least six individuals have died amid a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, among them 5 who are in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data show, and such enlistment drives typically attract large crowds and frequently result in disorderly situations.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
