At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" incident seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events normally draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
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.
