At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
At least six people have died during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a statement from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two others were injured, among them five who remain in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, the capital, with the hope of joining the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the latest government statistics show, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to apply for this event was prolonged for a week to allow for more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has since started.
