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At least six people have lost their lives during a stampede at a military recruitment gathering held in a sports arena in Ghana.

The midweek "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of applicants who overcame security measures and stormed the gates," stated a statement from Ghana's armed forces.

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

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

The country has a youth unemployment rate of about thirty-two percent, the most recent official data show, and such enlistment drives normally attract large crowds and frequently result in chaotic scenes.

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

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

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

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