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At least six individuals 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 "devastating" event seems to have been caused by "an unexpected surge of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," announced a release from Ghana's armed forces.

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

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

The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of about thirty-two percent, the most recent government statistics indicate, and such recruitment events normally attract large crowds and often result in disorderly situations.

The closing date to apply for this recruitment was extended by a week to accommodate more applicants, as some had faced difficulties in the application procedure.

Army spokesperson Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin stated the crush occurred before the planned commencement time of 6:20 AM Greenwich Mean Time.

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

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