Dumsor hampering earthquake monitoring in the country - Lands Minister

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Kwaku Asomah–Cheremeh has bemoaned the inconsistent supply of power in the country as a major cause of the inability of Ghana Geological Survey Authority to efficiently monitor earthquake readings.

Taking his turn to address journalists at the sector minister’s ‘Meet the Press’, he disclosed that steps are underway to install solar power at the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Earthquake (Seismic) Observatory to aid officials of the institution.

“…the issue of earthquake occurrence continues to threaten the country. In order to mitigate the impact of Earthquakes in the Southern Sector of the country, Mapping and Risk Assessment in Nyanyano, Weija, McCarthy Hills and surrounding areas were carried out to generate an updated geo-hazard/risk map for planning and decision making.

Power outage continues to hamper earthquake monitoring in the country. In order to carry out the 24/7 monitoring of earthquakes in Ghana, Government has approved the installation of Solar Power at GGSA Earthquake (Seismic) Observatory.”

Concerns have been raised especially in earthquake prone areas such as Nyanyano, Weija, McCarthy Hills and surrounding areas about the possibility of being hit with a landslide.

More than 5000 residents stand the risk of losing their homes and at worst their lives if they are hit with a landslide or earthquake. The situation seems to have been worsened by activities of encroachers who have been winning sand while others use explosives like dynamites to blast the rocks and sell them to contractors, weakening the base of the mountain.

The quarries apart from posing dangerous risks to residents have ripped off the beautiful geographical scenery of the ridge.

Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh was present with his deputies Mrs. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi and Benito Owusu Bio. Also present were officials of the Forest Commission led by the Chief Executive Officer; Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie