No Fewer Than 6 Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
At least 6 individuals have died during a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "devastating" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of about thirty-two percent, the latest official data show, and such enlistment drives typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had experienced challenges in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has visited the injured in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.
