At least six people have died following a stampede during a military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana.
The tragic incident occurred early Wednesday morning before the event 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, hoping to secure positions in the Ghana Armed Forces amid a youth unemployment rate of about 13 percent. The recruitment deadline had been extended by a week to accommodate applicants who experienced challenges with online registration, leading to a larger-than-expected turnout.
Several people sustained injuries in the crush and are receiving emergency medical treatment at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
Authorities have since secured the area, restoring calm as the recruitment exercise continues under tightened security measures.
The Ghana Armed Forces have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families and pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident to prevent future occurrences.
The tragedy underscores the growing desperation among young Ghanaians seeking stable employment opportunities in an increasingly competitive job market.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
