At Least 6 Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Armed Forces Enlistment Event
At least 6 people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including five who are in serious state.
Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of about thirty-two percent, the latest official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract large crowds and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.
The closing date to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced challenges in the process.
Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has since started.
