Keywords

1 Introduction

The seismicity of Ghana is attributed to possible recent movements along the Togo, Birimian and Dahomeyan thrust faults (Bondessen and Schmidt 1972). Sykes (1978) emphasized the role of these faults in the high seismic activity in the region. The relative intense seismicity in the region is attributed to the resurgence of movement along ancient tectonic boundaries. Bacon and Banson (1979), Amponsah (2002), attributed the seismicity of Southeastern Ghana to the level of activity of the Akwapim fault zone with little activity along the Coastal boundary fault.

There have been reported occurrences of earth tremors in recent times in parts of southern Ghana namely Awutu Senya East and Weija-Gbawe Municipalities (Amponsah et al. 2012; Amponsah 2004; Akoto and Anum 1992). These events have thrown residents into fear and panic. Table 1 shows magnitudes and earthquakes recorded in Ghana from 1615 to 2019.

Table 1 Earthquakes recorded in Ghana from 1615 to 2019
Full size table

Earthquake occurrence and observation surveys were conducted in March 2019, to assess the perception, experiences and the adaptation strategies for the residents of these areas regarding the seismic events. Figure 1 is a map of Awutu Senya East and Weija-Gbawe Municipalities. The purpose of the survey was to disseminate information on seismic hazard to ensure that effective measures are taken in land development. Information was also sought for policy-making as well as advising the government on geo-scientific issues related to seismic events.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Map of the study area

Full size image

The questionnaire which was prepared by the staff of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) had two sections. One section had to do with the socioeconomic background of the people and the other part dealt with the perceptions, experiences and adaptation strategies of the people to earthquakes.

2 Materials and Methods

Questionnaires were administered by staff of GAEC and NADMO. Residents who could not read were assisted. The elite completed the questionnaires themselves. Three days were allotted for the interview as indicated in Table 2 at Awutu Senya East and Weija-Gbawe Municipalities, respectively.

Table 2 Earthquake occurrence and observation survey in the Awutu Senya East and Weija-Gbawe Municipalities
Full size table

A total of two hundred and twenty-one (221) residents in the area were interviewed. There were divergent views from the inhabitants on their perception, experiences and adaptation strategies to earth tremors in the area.

Through the briefing and interview sessions, the realization was that:

  • Most of the people were aware that they live in an earthquake prone area but had no measures put in place to mitigate it in any form.

  • The agencies and institutions responsible for permitting and regulating building activities in the area do not emphasize the need for geophysical investigation of their sites before development.

  • There is the need to involve the chiefs and opinion leaders, real estate developers and the people themselves in the mitigation process since they are the custodians of the land.

3 Discussions

During the interview session, it was observed that most of the inhabitants are aware that the area is prone to earthquakes but have no other place to move to, so they have decided to live with the menace. Others were ignorant and felt it was a common occurrence, so it did not bother them much. There is, therefore, the need for the responsible government agencies to conduct geological and geophysical investigation on every land acquired before releasing them to developers. There should be intensive and consistent public awareness creation on the need for geophysical investigation on all sites before development.

4 Conclusions

It is important to recognize that the southern part of Ghana has the highest concentration of strategic assets and human population. Therefore, strategies must be devised to minimize the risks posed by some of these natural disasters that can strike the area. Seismologists have warned that the continuous earth tremors should not be taken for granted. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that all residents of the earthquake prone areas should seek professional advice for a seismic and geotechnical evaluation of the sites where their structures are located in order to determine the hazards and possible solutions.

The Geological Survey Authority is mandated to monitor seismic activities in the country and advice accordingly. This is supported by other agencies such as the National Data Centre of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

For Ghana to become resilient to natural, manmade and technological hazards, we must be proactive in our planning and development strategies.