At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Drive
No fewer than six people have died amid a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a stadium in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
Twenty-two others were injured, among them 5 who are in serious state.
A large crowd had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of about thirty-two percent, the latest official data show, and such enlistment drives normally attract massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the application procedure.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has since begun.
