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At least 6 individuals have lost their lives amid a stampede at a military recruitment event held in a sports arena in Ghana.

The Wednesday's "devastating" event appeared to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a statement from Ghana's armed forces.

Twenty-two others were injured, including five who remain in serious state.

Thousands had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the aspiration of joining the military.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of about thirty-two percent, the latest government statistics show, and such recruitment events typically draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.

The deadline to apply for this recruitment was extended by a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.

Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush took place before the event's scheduled start of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.

Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the injured in medical care.

Order has been restored, and the enlistment process has since begun.