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

At least 6 people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.

The midweek "devastating" incident appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," stated a release from the nation's military.

Twenty-two additional individuals were injured, including 5 who are in critical condition.

Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract large crowds and often lead to chaotic scenes.

The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.

Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place before the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.

The nation's leader John Mahama has visited the wounded in hospital.

Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has now begun.