At Least Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
No fewer than six people have died amid a stampede at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.
The Wednesday's "tragic" incident appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, among them 5 who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent government statistics show, and such recruitment events normally draw massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since started.
