The government, through the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has upgraded 20 out of the country’s 21 seismic data centres in a major move to strengthen earthquake monitoring, while also introducing a new policy requiring mandatory seismic assessments for all building permits.
The seismic centres, which are critical for detecting earth movements and tremors, had reportedly been largely inactive for years, with only two functioning nationwide. The situation prompted a nationwide intervention to restore and modernise the system.
Speaking at the commissioning of the upgraded National Seismic Network and a sod-cutting ceremony for the project, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the reforms are both urgent and necessary given Ghana’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
He explained that the upgraded system will enable geologists to gather real-time data on earth vibrations and improve early warning capabilities for earthquakes and tremors.
At the same time, he announced a new policy direction making seismic assessment mandatory for the issuance of building permits, especially in high-risk areas such as Accra, which is considered one of the country’s most seismically sensitive zones.
According to him, recent tremors and recurring building collapses have made it necessary to ensure that all land and structural developments are properly assessed before approval is granted.
He has therefore tasked the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to ensure strict compliance with the new directive across the construction sector.
“We are very happy that under the leadership of President Mahama, we’ve invested enough money to upgrade all of these data centres. The last time I checked, the budgetary allocation for this project is about 28 million. But today, the good news is that we are able to tell the people of Ghana that we will give them up-to-date data when there is any risk of earthquake or tremor,” he said.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah further stressed the importance of enforcing seismic regulations under Act 928, noting that proper geological checks must become a standard part of construction approval processes.
“Under Act 928 and the regulations we have, the Ghana Geological Survey must also play its role when it comes to the construction and mining sectors. They must ensure that buildings are properly monitored. If the Geological Survey is able to conduct seismic audits, we would not be waking up to see buildings collapsing left and right,” he noted.
He added that developers must secure all required approvals, including clearance from the GGSA alongside permits from the Ministry of Works and Housing, to prevent avoidable structural failures and safeguard lives.
ALSO READ:
