Accra: Engineering Practitioner at Associated Consultants Limited, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, has cautioned that Ghana risks devastating consequences if a major earthquake strikes, unless building regulations are strictly enforced and construction standards are adhered to.
According to Ghana Web, while Ghana has experienced several earth tremors and earthquakes over the years, the country's biggest challenge is whether its buildings can withstand a stronger seismic event, without collapsing and claiming lives. Ing. Bempong questioned the resilience of Ghana's infrastructure, pondering, 'If we were to experience an earthquake of about 7.0 on the Richter scale today, will our buildings hold?'
Ing. Bempong made these remarks on Tuesday at MC-Bauchemie Ghana Limited's 10th Anniversary Symposium, themed 'From Concrete Time Bombs to Building Century-Ready Cities; Navigating Structural Safety, Accountability and Climate Resilience in Ghana's Built Environment.' The symposium was broadcast live on Accra-based Citi FM and monitored by The Chronicle.
Recalling Ghana's most devastating earthquake in 1939, which measured about 6.9 on the Richter scale, Bempong emphasized the importance of learning from past seismic events to prevent future disasters. He explained that while engineers cannot prevent earthquakes, they can design structures to remain stable long enough to save lives.
Bempong noted that many fatalities during the 1939 earthquake were caused by unsecured building elements and falling objects, highlighting the critical need for proper detailing and supervision during construction. He stressed the importance of thorough planning, including land ownership verification, site investigations, soil testing, drainage assessment, and professional structural design before construction begins.
He warned against altering approved drawings during construction or ignoring engineering specifications, a practice that compromises safety for cost reduction. Bempong reminded professionals that their responsibility extends throughout the building's lifetime and referenced the accountability seen in Italy, where engineers and public officials were convicted over the Morandi Bridge collapse.
Bempong urged property owners to address structural distress signs promptly and not to rely on superficial repairs, which can conceal deeper issues. He advised that every distressed building requires professional investigation to determine the root cause before repairs.
He highlighted advances in engineering technology, such as structural retrofitting and carbon fibre reinforcement systems, that allow for strengthening ageing buildings, provided defects are detected early. Bempong urged homeowners to seek qualified opinions when addressing structural defects.
In conclusion, Bempong maintained that Ghana has the necessary expertise and standards to construct resilient buildings. However, compliance, effective supervision, and accountability remain challenges throughout the construction process. 'The issue is not that Ghana lacks standards,' he noted, adding, 'The issue is whether we are applying them and ensuring that every building is constructed in accordance with approved designs.'