At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
No fewer than 6 people have died during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a stadium in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were injured, including 5 who remain in serious state.
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 youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically draw large crowds and often lead to disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since started.
