No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six individuals have lost their lives during a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two additional individuals were injured, including 5 who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a week to allow for additional candidates, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of 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 restored, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
