No Fewer Than Six Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Drive
At least six individuals have died amid a stampede at a military recruitment event held in a stadium 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 entrances," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who are in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the military.
Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data show, and such recruitment events normally attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to allow for more applicants, as some had experienced challenges in the process.
Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
