By Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, speaking in Parliament on the Earth Tremor that occurred on Monday, 12th December 2022 in the Greater Accra Region has assured that the Government of President Akufo-Addo is fully committed, to resource, retooling, and positioning the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to deliver on its mandate.
Samuel A. Jinapor said, “the Government of President Akufo-Addo does not take the safety and security of the Ghanaian people for granted, particularly, as it relates to the monitoring of seismicity, earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters, as well as geo-hazard mapping and public education on geo-hazards to enhance the capacity of the nation to mitigate and reduce the impact of natural disasters and risk,“that is why in 2019, the ten-member committee was constituted to ensure that the state takes preventive measures to avoid any casualty and/or eventuality.”
According to him, Government has been concerned about the recent occurrences of earth tremors in the country and as “part of the Earthquake Preparedness and Response, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority was tasked to revamp the Digital Seismic Network for real time monitoring for early response. GGSA has since been working with the relevant agencies, to revamp the national seismic network and early warning systems, to provide real time monitoring and information”.
He submitted that already discussions are far advanced with Nanometrics Incorporation of Canada, manufacturers of the existing monitoring equipment, to convert the satellite system of data transmission to cell modem transmission system, using local telecommunication SIM cards.
“The SIM card transmission system has proven to be more reliable and easier to operate, and we are working with the Ministries of Finance and Communications and Digitalisation, to facilitate and expedite this transition.
Mr. Speaker, to deliver a functional and fit-for-purpose seismic monitoring system of international standard, will cost a substantial amount of money. The persistent increase in the frequency, occurrence, and magnitude of earth tremors, over the past few years, however, requires that we position the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to provide quick, adequate, and real-time seismic information to prevent and/or avoid any casualties in the unlikely event of a serious earthquake. We are therefore working with the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary support to the Authority within the shortest possible time.”
On Monday, 12th December 2022, a series of earth tremors occurred in parts of the Greater Accra Region. Preliminary investigations by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), an authority under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of geological hazards and risks, revealed three significant occurrences at 11:49am, 11:53am and 11:58am, with magnitudes of two point three (2.3), three point six (3.6) and two point two (2.2), respectively.
Mr. Jinapor said, “the epicentre of the tremor was located around the Weija area, between Wiaboman and Bojo Beach, about five hundred and seventy-five metres (575m) in the territorial waters of Ghana from the baseline of the sea.
The impact of the tremor was highly felt in Dansoman, Mateheko, Weija, and surrounding areas. Areas far from the epicenter, such as Legon, Amasaman and Accra Central, including the Ministries, Parliament House, the Court Complex and the Supreme Court, also felt the impact, though slightly”.
