At Least 6 Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghanaian Military Recruitment Event

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

The midweek "tragic" incident seems to have been caused by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," stated a release from Ghana's armed forces.

22 others were hurt, among them five who are in critical condition.

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

The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately 32%, the latest official data show, and such enlistment drives normally attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to chaotic scenes.

The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.

Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

The nation's leader John Mahama has visited the wounded in medical care.

Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.