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At least 6 people have lost their lives during a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in the West African nation.

The Wednesday's "tragic" incident appeared to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of applicants who overcame security measures and rushed into the gates," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.

Twenty-two additional individuals were hurt, including five who are in serious state.

Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, Accra, with the hope of joining the military.

The country has a youth unemployment rate of about thirty-two percent, the latest official data indicate, and such recruitment events typically attract large crowds and often result in chaotic scenes.

The closing date to apply for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to allow for additional candidates, as a number had experienced difficulties in the process.

Military representative Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred ahead of the event's scheduled start of 06:20 GMT.

Ghana's President President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in hospital.

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