At Least Six Perish in Stampede at Ghana Military Recruitment Event

At least 6 people have lost their lives during a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.

The midweek "devastating" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates," announced a statement from the nation's military.

22 additional individuals were injured, among them 5 who are in critical condition.

A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.

Ghana has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data indicate, and such recruitment events normally attract massive gatherings and often result in disorderly situations.

The closing date to submit applications for this event was extended by a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced challenges in the process.

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

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

Order has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since started.