At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghana Military Recruitment Event
At least six individuals have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The midweek "tragic" event seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," stated a release from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were hurt, among them 5 who are in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events normally attract massive gatherings and frequently result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
