No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
At least six individuals have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the gates," stated a statement from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were hurt, among them 5 who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the aspiration 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 normally draw massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the application procedure.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
