At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event

At least 6 individuals have lost their lives during a stampede at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.

The midweek "devastating" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.

Twenty-two others were hurt, among them 5 who are in serious state.

Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.

Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of about 32%, the latest official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically draw massive gatherings and often result in chaotic scenes.

The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for more applicants, as some had experienced difficulties in the process.

Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place ahead of the event's scheduled start of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.

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

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