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At least 6 individuals have lost their lives during a crowd crush at a armed forces enlistment event held in a stadium in the West African nation.

The midweek "devastating" event seems to have been triggered by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a release from the nation's military.

22 additional individuals were hurt, among them five who are in serious state.

A large crowd had gathered at the El-Wak sports venue, in the capital, Accra, with the hope of joining the armed forces.

Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about thirty-two percent, the latest official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically attract large crowds and often lead to disorderly situations.

The deadline to apply for this event was extended by a seven days to allow for more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.

Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the crush occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

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

Calm has been restored, and the enlistment process has since started.