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No fewer than 6 individuals have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in Ghana.

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

22 additional individuals were injured, including five who are in critical condition.

Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of joining the armed forces.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of approximately thirty-two percent, the latest official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract massive gatherings and frequently lead to disorderly situations.

The closing date to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to accommodate additional candidates, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.

Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush took place before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

Ghana's President John Mahama has visited the injured in hospital.

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