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

The Wednesday's "tragic" event appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of applicants who breached security protocols and stormed the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.

22 others were hurt, among them 5 who are in critical condition.

Thousands had gathered at El-Wak stadium, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the armed forces.

The country has a rate of joblessness among young people of approximately thirty-two percent, the most recent official data indicate, and such enlistment drives typically draw large crowds and frequently lead to disorderly situations.

The closing date to submit applications for this recruitment was prolonged for a week to allow for more applicants, as a number had faced difficulties in the process.

Army spokesperson Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred before the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

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

Order has been restored, and the recruitment exercise has since begun.