No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event

At least six individuals have died during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.

The midweek "devastating" event seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.

22 additional individuals were hurt, among them five who are in critical condition.

Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the military.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of about thirty-two percent, the latest government statistics show, and such recruitment events normally attract large crowds and frequently result in disorderly situations.

The deadline to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for more applicants, as some had experienced challenges in the application procedure.

Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in hospital.

Calm has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now started.