Seismologist at Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), Nicholas Opoku has disclosed that the authority is unable to work adequately to provide real-time information on certain natural disasters due to insufficient funding.
His statement was in response to concerns raised about the detection of seismic incidents in Ghana, following the recent earth tremor which was reported in parts of Accra such as Pokuase, Weija and its central environs on Sunday, 12th November, 2023. The tremor was recorded at a 3.6 magnitude on a Richter Scale.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive, Mr. Opoku explained that the authority was lacking accoutrements to aid them to report on seismic incidents such as earth tremors.
He however explained that efforts are being made to get the needed funding and human resources to enhance efficiency in tremor detection.
“We have some few sensors that we are using for monitoring these events in the country. We are still making efforts to get more because the density is not good enough. We are hoping that we will be able to get the needed funding, including human resources.”
He also added that the authority is working together with stakeholders to ensure that intensified education on earth tremors is done in the country. He also revealed that personnel from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) have successfully been trained to effectively respond to such incidents.
“We are working things out with all stakeholders including NADMO and I am sure we will intensify education in the coming days. We have also organized training for NADMO staff in all the earthquake high risk zones.”
Nicholas Opoku further urged citizens to refrain from blaming authorities for not updating them on such occurrences as he clarified that earth tremors are not easily predictable.
This statement addresses concerns some citizens took to social media to express with geological agencies in the country not being able to update them prior to the occurrence.
“They should not blame us. It is a worldwide issue. At the moment the prediction of earth tremors and earthquake is not practically possible. Efforts are still being made and research is being conducted so hopefully we will soon be able to predict such occurrences and put in the necessary actions.”
–
Story by: Michelle Lartey | univers.ug.edu.gh
