At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
No fewer than 6 people have died during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 others were injured, among them 5 who are in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the latest official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically attract massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a week to allow for additional candidates, as some had faced challenges in the application procedure.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has now begun.
