After conducting a thorough investigation, a team of seismologists and geoscientists from the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and the Twifo Attimokwa District Assembly has determined that the suspected earth tremor in Twifo-Mampong was, in fact, a landslide.
The movement in the land occurred on a steep hill with cocoa plantations following a downpour on Thursday, June 29. The GGSA confirmed that there was no seismic activity recorded during that time, and residents in the area also reported not feeling any ground shaking. However, many cocoa trees were destroyed due to the landslide.
The GGSA emphasized that farmers in the affected areas can continue their farming activities but should stay away from such areas when there are signs of rainfall. The geological materials observed at the site were highly weathered metasediments, which became saturated from the heavy downpour, leading to the movement of materials along the slopes of the hill.
Fortunately, the landslide occurred far away from settlements, so it did not affect lives and property. However, it serves as a warning against potential development along the slopes of hills. The GGSA advises against infrastructural development in such unstable areas and emphasizes the need for effective land-use planning and enforcement by Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to ensure public safety.
By heeding these recommendations and implementing proper land-use planning measures, the risk of similar incidents can be minimized, protecting both lives and property in the future.
