At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event

At least six people have died during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.

The midweek "tragic" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," announced a statement from the nation's military.

22 others were injured, including five 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 armed forces.

The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events typically attract massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.

The deadline to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.

Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.

Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since begun.