By Jones Anlimah
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has called on the Ho Municipal Assembly to suspend issuing building permits for developments on the Kabakaba Hills, citing serious geohazard risks in the area.
According to the Volta Regional Director of the GGSA, Mr. Anani Ayite, the decaying nature of the rock layers on the hills poses significant threats to existing and future structures.
“The rocks at the Kabakaba Hills are layered and decaying. In no time, if they are completely decayed, all those buildings there will collapse,” Mr. Ayite stated on the sidelines of a training workshop for journalists in Ho.
The GGSA has proposed conducting comprehensive geohazard mapping across the entire Ho Municipality, not just the Kabakaba Hills, to assess the risks and provide recommendations for safe development. “We want to come up with a report or recommendations so that, if someone wants to develop there, the foundation of buildings can be appropriately designed in collaboration with civil engineers. This is what is done in advanced countries with high earthquake-prone zones, like Japan,” he explained.
The Kabakaba Hills in the Ho municipality of the Volta region is currently home to several hotels and private residences.
Mr. Anani Ayite stressed the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential disasters, noting that while the timeline for earth movements is unpredictable, forecasting and preparation are essential. “Looking at the place, it’s likely something can happen, but as to when, these are earth movements no human can predict. However, we can forecast and prepare,” he said.
The GGSA has strongly recommended that the Ho Municipal Assembly halt all development projects on the Kabakaba Hills until the investigations are completed and scientific guidance is provided.
The Volta Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Augustus Awity expressed support for GGSA’s position, urging a cautious approach to development in the area. “The safety of our residents is paramount. As a regional coordinating council, we will support the Geological Survey Authority in conducting these investigations. In the meantime, we are advising the Municipal Assembly to suspend building permits for the Kabakaba Hills and prioritize public safety,” he stated.
Mr. Awity highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities, government agencies, and developers to ensure sustainable and risk-free construction practices.
The training workshop, aimed at educating journalists on geoscience issues, underscored the importance of public awareness and preparedness. The planned geohazard mapping by the GGSA is expected to provide critical data to guide safe construction and resilience against potential geological hazards in the Ho Municipality.
