Nicholas Opoku, Head of Earthquake Monitoring Division at Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GSSA), has stated that the numerous ground tremors that Ghana has been experiencing are an indicator that an earthquake is impending, but the specific timing is unknown.
“These small ones happening frequently is a signal that a major earthquake could happen but as to when, we don’t know just as it takes great nations by surprise it will come by surprise and we will not be able to predict when it could happen in Ghana” he stated in an an interview with 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on Tuesday 7 February 2023
He pointed that Ghana’s prone zone is defined by the mountain range from parts of Nyanyano to Weija through Aburi …part of Weija, Nyanyano and it even goes all the way to Ho and the fact is that this part of our earth is quite old and fortunately they tend to be stable when they are old but unfortunately even though our part of the earth quite old some portions are not very stable as afore mentioned especially the eastern part or the mobile belt.
Read Also: 5 students injured after Ejuraman SHS dinning hall collapse
“Where our attention should be most is the capital city Accra because it is very close to the active part of Ghana’s earthquake prone zone. When the earth shakes most parts of Accra will be affected more than the other parts of Ghana.” He told 3FM Sunrise Morning Show
He noted that Ghana is fortunate to have such a large land mass that is stable in the West African craton, but that the eastern half, which is inside the mobile belt, is where a lot of infrastructure has been created.
According to Mr. Opoku, development should have been centered in Ghana’s craton, which is quite safe, but we have instead concentrated in Accra, which is the active part of our prone zone.
“The western side from Koforidua all the way to Kumasi, Sunyani and the greater part of the north form part of the West African craton which is stable. So in fact our development should have concentrated more within the craton” Mr. Opoku mentioned.
SOURCE: 3NEWS
