At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive
At least six people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "devastating" event appeared to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were injured, including five who are in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically draw large crowds and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The deadline to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as some had experienced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the event's scheduled start of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now started.
