At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
No fewer than 6 people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and rushed into the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 others were injured, including 5 who are in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the latest government statistics show, and such enlistment drives normally attract massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, as some had faced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has since begun.
