Accra: Dr A. Ofori Quaah, a Life Member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (USA), has issued a stark warning about the urgent need for educating Ghanaian citizens on earthquake preparedness. He cautioned that although the geological processes responsible for past tremors remain active, citizens remain largely unprepared for potential seismic events.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Quaah's research identified the Coastal Boundary Fault, which runs approximately 22 kilometers parallel to Ghana's coastline from the Ivorian border through Abidjan to Keta. This fault, although dormant for an extended period, could potentially trigger a tsunami upon reactivation. "In the 1939 earthquake, fishermen at sea reported experiencing what they termed a 'minor disturbance of the sea'. Next time, it may not be minor," he warned.
The history of Ghana's seismic activity is significant, with the last major earthquake occurring on June 22, 1939, causing considerable damage in Accra and surrounding areas. At the time, the city's population was about 77,000, with 22 fatalities recorded. Dr Quaah highlighted that if a similar event were to happen today, given Accra's current population of approximately two million, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Dr Quaah emphasized that the danger of earthquakes lies not in the seismic activity itself but in the vulnerability of poorly constructed buildings. He cited that while a Magnitude 8.5 earthquake in a sparsely populated area like the Sahara Desert might go largely unnoticed, the impact would be vastly different in densely built regions where construction doesn't account for environmental impact.
Despite the infrequency of earthquakes in Ghana, history shows they are often destructive. Towns such as Axim, Takoradi, Elmina, Accra, and Ho have all suffered significant damage over the past 600 years. Dr Quaah noted that Ghana is overdue for another major earthquake by about 20 years, and recent global seismic activity serves as a reminder of this impending risk.
Citing historical records, Dr Quaah mentioned that in 1939, several locations worldwide, including Ghana, experienced major earthquakes. By 2023, most of these locations, except Ghana and Turkey, had experienced 'return events,' indicating a seismic cycle that Ghana is yet to complete. "In Ghana, we are experiencing both 'seismic time and space gaps'," he explained, stressing the need for preparedness.
Dr Quaah also raised concerns about the far-reaching impacts of earthquakes in Ghana, where tremors can be felt at great distances from the epicenter. He recalled the 1939 earthquake, which affected regions as far as Pretoria, South Africa, and Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He also pointed out the challenges in disaster management, as highlighted by past events like the Melcom Supermarket collapse and the June 2015 floods.
Highlighting the likelihood of aftershocks following a major quake, Dr Quaah questioned the readiness of businesses and institutions to cope with such events. He urged them to integrate Business Continuity Planning into their operations, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in emergency preparedness across Africa.
Dr Quaah suggested proactive measures, including monitoring visible cracks in buildings and engaging young science enthusiasts in these efforts. He called for immediate action, invoking the English proverb, "Time and tide wait for no man," to emphasize the urgency of the situation.
