At least six people have died following a stampede during a military recruitment exercise at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, before the exercise officially began, when a sudden surge of applicants overwhelmed security and forced their way through the stadium gates.
Thousands of young Ghanaians had gathered at the venue seeking positions in the Ghana Armed Forces. The recruitment deadline had been extended by a week to accommodate applicants who faced difficulties with online registration, contributing to a larger-than-expected turnout amid a national youth unemployment rate of approximately 13 percent.
Several people sustained injuries in the crush and are receiving emergency treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Authorities have since secured the area and restored calm, with the recruitment exercise continuing under tightened security measures.
The Ghana Armed Forces expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences.
The tragedy highlights the increasing pressure on young Ghanaians seeking stable employment in a competitive job market.
