At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the gates," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, including 5 who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the latest government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract large crowds and often result in disorderly situations.
The deadline to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in hospital.
Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since begun.