Earthquakes in Ghana: Low Hazard, Occasional Tremors

Ghana sits on the **West African Craton**—a tectonically stable, ancient continental core. It has **very low seismic hazard**; no major earthquakes in instrumental or historical records.

What Happens

• Minor tremors: Rarely felt (M < 3.0), usually from distant quakes.
• Notable event: June 24, 2010 — M5.2 quake in **Côte d'Ivoire** (100 km from Ghana border) caused light shaking in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi. No damage.
• 1939 Accra tremor: M6.0 offshore? Poorly recorded; minor cracks reported.

Seismic Monitoring

• Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) operates stations (Accra, Kintampo, Ho).
• Data shared with CTBTO, AFRICAN SEISMIC NETWORK.

Risk Management

• Building codes (LI 1630, 1996) include minimal seismic provisions (Zone 0/1).
• Critical infrastructure (Akosombo Dam, Tema Port) designed for low seismicity.
• Public awareness low; "Drop, Cover, Hold On" not taught.

Bottom Line

Ghana is **not earthquake-prone**. Primary hazards: floods, coastal erosion, drought, epidemics. But as urbanization accelerates (Accra 5M+), updating seismic resilience in high-rises, hospitals, schools is prudent—low probability, high consequence.