Six potential recruits have died with several others injured following as a stampede during a military recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium.
According to a statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations at Ghana Armed Forces, the development was as a result of breach in security protocols.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of the scheduled screening. The injured are currently receiving emergency care at the 37 Military Hospital.”
Authorities had earlier altered the body selection process due to the massive turnout of applicants eager to participate in the enlistment exercise. Security personnel were deployed to manage the crowd as frustrated applicants struggled to gain access to the stadium. Some have complained about poor communication regarding the new procedures.
According to the statement several others are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital after sustaining injuries. Processes have commenced for the families of the deceased potential recruits to be informed about the unfortunate incident.
Accra News Online has gathered there 34 casualties, 6 dead, 5 in critical condition and 12 fairly critical.
Below is the full statement from the Ghana Armed Forces.
Story by: Elikplim Awuku
