No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Crowd Crush at Ghana 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 Ghana.
The Wednesday's "devastating" incident seems to have been triggered by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates," stated a release from the nation's military.
Twenty-two others were injured, among them five who remain in critical condition.
Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such recruitment events normally attract large crowds and often result in disorderly situations.
The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a week to allow for additional candidates, as some had experienced difficulties 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 visited the injured in medical care.
Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since begun.
