At Least 6 Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
At least six individuals have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" event seems to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a release from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including five who are in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the latest government statistics show, and such recruitment events typically attract massive gatherings and frequently result in chaotic scenes.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, as some had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.
