No Fewer Than Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
At least 6 people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two additional individuals were injured, including 5 who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the latest government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as some had experienced challenges in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
