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At least 6 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 appeared to have been caused by "a sudden rush of candidates who overcame security measures and rushed into the entrances," stated a statement from the nation's military.

Twenty-two others were hurt, including 5 who are in critical condition.

Thousands had turned up at the El-Wak sports venue, in the main city, the capital, with the hope of enlisting in the military.

Ghana has a youth unemployment rate of about 32%, the latest government statistics indicate, and such enlistment drives normally draw massive gatherings and often lead to disorderly situations.

The closing date to submit applications for this event was prolonged for a seven days to allow for additional candidates, as a number had faced challenges in the process.

Military representative Capt Veronica Adzo Arhin said the stampede occurred ahead of the planned commencement time of 06:20 GMT.

The nation's leader President John Mahama has gone to see the wounded in medical care.

Calm has been reestablished, and the recruitment exercise has now begun.