At Least Six Perish in Crowd Crush at Ghana Military Recruitment Drive

No fewer than six people have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.

The midweek "tragic" incident appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the entrances," announced a release from the nation's military.

22 additional individuals were hurt, among them 5 who remain in critical condition.

A large crowd had turned up at El-Wak stadium, in the capital, Accra, with the aspiration of joining the armed forces.

Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 32%, the most recent official data show, and such recruitment events typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to chaotic scenes.

The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the application procedure.

Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the stampede took place before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.

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

Calm has been reestablished, and the enlistment process has since begun.