At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six individuals have died during a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" incident seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, among them five who are in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of joining the military.
The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
