No Fewer Than 6 Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event
At least 6 people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The midweek "devastating" incident seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a statement from Ghana's armed forces.
22 additional individuals were hurt, including 5 who remain in serious state.
Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the military.
The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the latest official data show, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and often result in disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this event was prolonged for a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as some had faced difficulties in the process.
Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.
Order has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now started.
