“Building collapses can be prevented through seismic audits” — Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to play a mandatory role in the approval process for building permits to help prevent structural failures and improve earthquake resilience across the country.

Speaking at the commissioning of Ghana's upgraded earthquake monitoring facilities, the Minister stressed that comprehensive seismic audits by the GGSA could significantly reduce incidents of building collapses.

"If the Ghana Geological Survey is able to do this seismic audit, we wouldn't be waking up to see buildings coming down," Mr. Buah stated.

According to the Minister, the directive follows the government's investment of approximately GH₵28 million to modernize and restore the country's seismic monitoring network, which he said had become largely non-functional before the intervention.

Mr. Buah noted that the upgraded facilities now place Ghana in a better position to provide timely and accurate information on earthquakes, tremors, and other geological risks.

"Today, the good news is that we are able to tell the people of Ghana that we will provide them with up-to-date data when there is any risk of earthquake and when there is any risk of tremor," he said.

The Minister emphasized that the improved seismic monitoring system should translate into stronger regulations within the construction and mining sectors.

He urged the GGSA to strengthen its oversight role by conducting seismic assessments and ensuring that developers comply with geological safety requirements before construction begins.

As part of the proposed reforms, builders may be required to obtain approvals from both the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority before securing building permits.

The move is expected to improve scrutiny of foundation designs, soil conditions, and earthquake resilience standards.

Mr. Buah commended President John Dramani Mahama's administration for prioritizing the rehabilitation of the seismic infrastructure, describing the investment as a major step toward safeguarding lives and property.

He believes the upgraded seismic data centres will enhance real-time monitoring capabilities and support early warning systems for earthquakes and other geological hazards nationwide.

On his part, Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), Dr. Prosper Aduah Akaba, revealed that only two out of the country's 21 seismic monitoring stations were partially functional before the government's intervention to upgrade the national seismic network.

Dr. Akaba described the state of the country's earthquake monitoring infrastructure in recent years as a "sorry story," emphasizing the urgent need for modernization.

"The situation of the national seismic network has been a sorry story in the past few years as only two of the 21 stations across the country were partially functional," he stated.

According to Dr. Akaba, the rehabilitation project was made possible through the commitment and support of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who prioritized restoring the country's seismic monitoring capabilities upon assuming office.

He noted that the project goes beyond merely replacing obsolete equipment, representing a significant technological advancement in Ghana's earthquake monitoring systems.

"Today's event does not only mark the replacement of defunct networks, it also marks a major upgrade in seismic technology that is far superior to the previous network," Dr. Akaba said.

The Director-General disclosed that 20 of the 21 seismic monitoring stations have been successfully upgraded and are currently transmitting real-time seismic data across the country.

The only remaining station, located at Asankragua, is yet to be completed due to security concerns, which the Authority is actively working to resolve.

Dr. Akaba explained that the modernized network incorporates broadband seismometers, strong-motion accelerographs, solar-powered remote stations, advanced telemetry systems, and upgraded platforms for data acquisition, processing, archiving, and event notification.

He said the enhanced network will significantly improve Ghana's ability to monitor earthquakes, assess seismic hazards, support engineering and infrastructure development, and provide reliable scientific information for national planning.

Highlighting Ghana's vulnerability to seismic activity, Dr. Akaba recalled major earthquakes that struck Axim in 1636, Accra in 1862 and 1939, and Ho in 1906, stressing that earthquake risks remain a reality for the country.

He also outlined the Authority's long-term vision to expand seismic monitoring across Ghana, including plans to deploy Ocean Bottom Seismometers in the country's offshore areas to improve earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

Dr. Akaba expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, development partners, telecommunications providers, the Volta River Authority, Geo-Tech Systems, Nanometrics Incorporated of Canada, and the media for their support in bringing the project to fruition.

He described the commissioning of the upgraded network as a major step toward strengthening disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and public safety across Ghana.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith