No Fewer Than Six Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
At least six individuals have lost their lives during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a release from the nation's military.
22 others were hurt, including 5 who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate additional candidates, as some had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place ahead of the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in hospital.
Calm has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has since started.
