No Fewer Than Six Perish in Stampede at Ghanaian Armed Forces Enlistment Drive

At least six people have lost their lives amid a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.

The midweek "tragic" incident appeared to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," announced a statement from the nation's military.

22 others were hurt, among them five who are in serious state.

Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the military.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data show, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.

The deadline to apply for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, as some had experienced challenges in the application procedure.

Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede took place ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

The nation's leader John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.

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