At Least 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
No fewer than six individuals have died amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event seems to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who are in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events normally draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
