No Fewer Than Six Lose Their Lives in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive

At least six individuals have lost their lives amid a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.

The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," announced a statement from Ghana's armed forces.

22 others were injured, including 5 who are in critical condition.

Thousands had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.

The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the most recent government statistics show, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and often result in chaotic scenes.

The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was extended by a week to allow for additional candidates, as some had experienced challenges in the process.

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

Ghana's President President John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.

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