GGSA warns of disaster on Kabakaba Hill

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has expressed grave concern over the growing unauthorised construction of houses and other giant structures on slopes of the Kabakaba Hill in Ho, saying the trend is worrying.

The Director-General of the GGSA, Isaac K. Mwinbelle, said Ho is in an earthquake zone and in the event of an earthquake, the consequences could be dreadful.

He was speaking at a day’s media sensitisation workshop on earthquake disaster and risk reduction in Ho last Wednesday.

About 30 media practitioners in the Volta Region attended the workshop on the theme: Resourcing the GGSA — A necessary tool to regulate the extractive industry.

The objective was to discuss geo-hazards, the importance of early warning systems and how to contribute to building a more disaster-resilient society.

Mr Mwinbelle said the long-term effects of the unauthorised development on the slopes may be expensive and disastrous on a large-scale.

“Some lands were acquired by individuals without any official permit and proper documentation, without taking into account the type of rocks beneath the ground,” he added.

The Director-General of the GGSA said some of the buildings were put up by local artisans who may not have the skills to identify the rock types and groundwater at the building sites.

He said the GGSA was the competent authority to carry out the appropriate systematic geological mapping and evaluate geological risks concerning such development activities.

Therefore, the authority must be duly informed about any prospective development activity on the specific site such as the hill, for the appropriate risk assessment to be made.
 

Unauthorised structures 

The Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), Augustus Awity, said the unbridled construction of unauthorised structures on the Kabakaba Hill posed a threat to human lives.

He said what was even more disturbing about the impudent development on the hill was the fact that they were being carried out by learned people.

The chief director sought to know if the people were waiting for another disaster to occur before pointing accusing fingers at the authorities for failing to act.

“This is the time to stop the laid back attitude and get involved in sustainably managing our cities,” Mr Awity maintained.

He urged the media to vigorously support the campaign for sustainable development to reduce harmful environmental impacts.

The Deputy Head of the Seismology Unit of the GGSA, Saviour Mockley, said geo-hazards such as earthquakes, landslides and floods could have long-term devastating effects on communities and economies.

However, she said through effective disaster risk reduction strategies, early warning systems and timely public awareness campaigns, their impact could be mitigated.

Mr Mockley said the media played a crucial role in shaping public perception, informing the public and driving action concerning such emergencies.

“As gatekeepers of information, you have the power to educate communities, influence policies and advocate stronger resilience measures,” Mrs Mockley told the participants.