
Isaac Mwinbelle, GGSA Director General
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has issued a strong advisory to members of the public, urging them to exercise caution when carrying out development in areas known to be prone to earthquakes.
The Director General of the GGSA, Isaac Mwinbelle, gave the caution yesterday in an interview with the Daily Statesman on the potential development along slope of hills, Ghana’s earthquake preparedness and the aftermath of the recent suspected earth tremor activity at Twifo-Mampong in the Central Region of Ghana.
Mr Mwinbelle specifically highlighted areas such as Accra, extending from Weija to the hills of Aburi, and the Akuapem range, which is part of the mobile belt of the country.
Thorough investigation
The GGSA Director General emphasised the importance of conducting thorough investigations before commencing any construction projects. He stressed that it is crucial to determine whether an area falls within an active earthquake zone.
He added that it is equally critical that developers investigate the specific site to ensure it is not located on a weak or fault zone. Failing to take these precautions, he indicated, could render structures vulnerable and unable to withstand potential earth movements or disturbances.
Apart from that, he explained, for those who are building on hillslopes, those formations in many cases are not very stable, and with the onset of rains, they are likely to have a landslide like what happened in Twifo-Mampong.
Mr Mwinbelle further stressed the need for responsible development practices, and urged individuals, businesses, and government agencies to prioritise safety when planning and constructing buildings in these high-risk areas as non-compliance can result in significant loss of life and property damage.
He admonished Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce effective land-use planning to ensure public safety. To assist in this endeavour, he said, the Authority will provide technical support and guidance to ensure that developers have access to accurate geological information. According to him, this will help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding the safety and suitability of potential development sites.
The GGSA Director General, therefore, encouraged developers to collaborate with the GGSA, and utilize their expertise in assessing the geological risks associated with their projects. He assured that the Authority would continue to monitor and study seismic activities in earthquake-prone areas to enhance the understanding of these geological phenomena.
Additionally, he stated that public education programmes and campaigns would be organised to raise awareness among citizens about the potential risks and preventive measures related to earthquakes.
Sensitisation drive
He also disclosed that the Authority had advanced plans to extend earthquake preparedness and awareness efforts to the northern part of the country, specifically Tamale. He said, traditionally, earthquake response measures had primarily focused on the southern parts of Ghana, which are perceived as earthquake-prone areas.
Mr Mwinbelle, however, said earthquakes can occur in any part of the country, albeit with varying degrees of intensity. By extending the focus on earthquake preparedness, he noted, the Authority would equip residents in the Northern Region with the necessary knowledge and tools to minimise the potential impact of seismic events.
“Our next installation programme will be in the porthern part of Ghana, specifically, Tamale. The sensitisation campaign will encompass educational programmes, community engagement initiatives, among other. There is the need for us as a country to condition ourselves and prepare well in the event of any unexpected catastrophe,” he stated.
Explaining that it is not only Ghana that is experiencing these events, he lamented the recent incident in Turkey, where Ghana lost an illustrious son, Christian Atsu. He said that should give “us as a nation the wake-up call for alternatives”.
For inhabitants of Twifo-Mampong in the Central Region, he said because majority of them are predominantly into farming on hillslopes, it is important to stay away from such areas when there are signs of rainfall. “Such areas are made up of very wet material; when it rains, the materials get saturated, and that creates a tendency for movement,” he added.