At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than six individuals have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a release from the nation's military.
Twenty-two additional individuals were injured, including five who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
