Enforce building codes to mitigate earthquake risk – Lecturer to MMDAs

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A lecturer with the Earth Science Department of the University of Ghana, Dr. Prince Ofori Amponsah, is warning of a potential earthquake.

His warning comes in the wake of the 3.6-magnitude earth tremor that occurred on Sunday, November 12, affecting parts of Accra and its environs.

Speaking to Citi News, Dr. Prince Ofori Amponsah indicated that the recent multiple earth tremors were indicative of an impending disaster and emphasized the need for local assemblies to enforce building codes to safeguard against major calamities in such an event.

“It is crucial that the assemblies take the necessary steps because they are our policymakers. They must ensure that whatever policies we have in terms of building codes are implemented effectively. This starts with them because they have town and country planning departments and engineers. Before any building is constructed in Ghana, the drawings and plans must be submitted to them for approval. They are responsible for determining whether the plans are compliant with building codes or not.”

The tremor was felt in areas such as Mallam, Gbawe, SCC, Pokuase, Bortianor, and others.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has disclosed that the earth tremor felt in parts of Accra on Sunday, November 12, had a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale.

GGSA, however, stated that the earth tremor was a minor incident which is not expected to cause damage.

Residents in Weija, Nyanyano, Adenta, Bortianor, and other parts of Accra Central experienced the tremor around 7: 20 am on Sunday.

According to the GGSA, the “epicentre of the tremor is about 7 kilometres off Weija (5.5318 N, 0.2933 W) in the Greater Accra Region, with origin time at 07:17:51am.”