At Least 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
No fewer than six individuals have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a statement from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including five 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 military.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and frequently result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to accommodate more applicants, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the injured in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
