At Least Six Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Event
No fewer than 6 people have lost their lives amid a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a sports arena in the West African nation.
The Wednesday's "devastating" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," announced a statement from the nation's military.
22 others were hurt, including five who remain in critical condition.
A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.
Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data show, and such recruitment events normally draw large crowds and often result in disorderly situations.
The deadline to apply for this recruitment was extended by a week to allow for additional candidates, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.
Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.
The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.
Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.
