HAZARDMAPPING IN GHANA

A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO

NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATION
(NADMO)

EDITED BY
MR. P.Y.O. AMOAKO
DR. S.T. AMPOFO

UNDPINADMO PROJECT
2007

CONTENTS

PAGE

PREFACE

II
I

PROJECT TEAMS
IV

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
v
INTRODUCTION
1

SECTION A:
GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS
EARTHQUAKE

LANDSLIDE
COASTAL EROSION

SECTIONB

FLOODS

SECTIONC

FIRES

SECTIOND

PESTS AND INSECTS

INFESTATION

85
111
167

The adverse effects of disasters on the economies and the overall development of nations
is well known. History abounds with reported cases of human causalities, destruction of
strategic infrastructure, complete disruption of economic and social facilities resulting in
severe hardships on communities.

It is in this light that the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and the African Union (AU)
and other International Agencies have taken disaster management issues so seriously that
they have now become integral parts of the planning process of many nations. Disaster
management activities encompass preparedness and mitigation, emergency response,
rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The current global trend now is to place emphasis on the pre-disaster phase, where
communities are encouraged to identify risks to their lives, properties and livelihoods as a
means of preventing or minimising the effects of such disasters. With the National
Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) and the National Standard Operating Procedures
(SOP) in place it is fitting that hazard maps for the various hazards are also prepared to
guide planners to take steps to include in their planning measures that would prevent or
reduce the risk of disasters.

The support of UNDP as well as the devotion of the Technical Teams in the preparation
of this document is highly appreciated.

NADMO
111

PROJECT TEAMS

(1)

GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS
MR. P.Y.O. AMOAKO
MR. MA WULI AKOTO
MR. JOHN FOSU PINKRAH

(2)

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL
MR. O.K. ANAOLATE
MR. BEN BROWN
MR. P. OYAU BOAKYE

FIRES

(3)

DCFO A.B. OAISIE

ACFO AMPONSAH TETTEH
MR.STEPHEN OSEI AMAKYE

PESTS AND INSECTS

(4)

DR. S.T. AMPOFO

PROF. J.N. AYERTEY
MR. MAXWELL ODONKOR

IV

________________________________________ ------~ __ ~i.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We acknowledge some organizations and individuals without whose efforts and

contributions this report could not have been produced. We wish to mention the Ministry
of Food and Agriculture, the Geological Survey Dept, Geology Dept University of
Ghana, the National Fire Service, the Forestry Commission and their staff at
headquarters, regions and districts.

We are particularly thankful to the UNDP who supported the project financially and
NADMO for giving us the opportunity to this pioneer project of Hazard Mapping in
Ghana. The support and encouragement of the Ag. National Co-ordinator (DCOP
Douglas Akrofi Asiedu) and Deputy National Co-ordinator (Finance & Administration)
ofNADMO, Dr. Kwaku Osei-Akom are well appreciated.

Our special appreciation goes to Dr. Duah- Yentumi of UNDP for his personal interest
shown in the project and encouragement given to us. Messrs Alexander Appau-Akoto,
Eugene Asamoah Ayew and Mrs. Diana Boakye, (Acting Deputy National Co-ordinator,
Disasters) of NADMO who assisted in preparation of the project document and Mrs.
Diana Boakye, in particular, who assisted administratively in its execution are well
recognized.

We thank the Regional and District NADMO Coordinators for their assistance in data
gathering, the Secretarial and IT staff of NADMO, particularly Mr. Eric Korang, Ms.
Regina Enyonam Kumkah and Ms. Cynthia Yartey for the assistance they gave us in the
preparation of this report.

HAZARD MAPPING IN GHANA

Introduction
The United Nations declared the period 1990 - 1999 as the International Decade for
Natural Disaster Reduction UN/IDNDR: UN RES 42/169/1987) with the following
goals
to achieve:
I. to increase worldwide awareness

II. foster prevention and reduce the risks of natural disasters through the
widespread application of modem science and technology.

Consequently, international demonstration projects (hazard mapping) designed to

improve the assessment of natural hazards (earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, tropical
hurricanes etc) were initiated.

These demonstration projects served as an international platform for promoting a

regionally co-ordinated homogeneous approach to hazard evaluation. Such hazard
maps are actually needed for alerting countries to their vulnerability potential and
should stimulate some policy initiatives especially for the developing nations
which sometimes apply for loans from the World Bank and other such financial
institutions that may need accurate hazard assessment.

Unfortunately some developing countries including Ghana did not participate in

any such pilot projects such as the Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program
(GSHAP). There is therefore no officially accepted hazard map for any of the
known hazards in Ghana.

The present hazard mapping exercise being supported by UNDP - NADMO, is to

assist Ghana as a country to initiate the preparation of authentic hazard maps.
Within budgetary and other logistics constraints, four hazards namely Geological
(Earthquakes, Coastal Erosion, Landslides). Hydrometeorological (Floods)
Biological (Pest and Insects Infestation) and Fires have been considered under this
project.

Objectives
The broad objectives of this project; supported by the UNDP are to support.
(i)

NADMO to prepare a long term National Risk Reduction Policy and

Programme.

(ii)

The development of a system of hazard reporting and early warning.

(iii)

The strengthening ofthe institutional structures in the country.

The specific objectives for which the terms of reference have been drawn are:
(i)

To prepare hazard maps for the four major hazard types

that are prevalent in Ghana.

(ii)

To prepare Vulnerability Assessment maps for the four major hazard

types that are prevalent in Ghana.

(iii)

To prepare disaster risk zonation maps for each of the four major
hazards to guide the development processes countrywide.

Due to time and resource constraints the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment maps
could
not be prepared.
Methodology
In order to achieve this, four teams of three specialists each were tasked to prepare
the various hazard maps.

The common method adopted was for each team to:

(i)

Gather information (form literature, personal communications, working

visits to recorded hazard areas, institutions, organizations,
questionnaires, etc).

(ii)

Analyse data where possible and with the best practice and

(iii)

Compile and produce hazard maps.

With regard to hazard data analysis and map preparation each team adopted the
best practice within the time frame.

Hazard Maps
The following hazard maps have been prepared: and presented in the
report.
GEOLOGICAL
Seismic Hazard Map
Coastal Erosion Hazard Map
Landslides Hazard Map
PESTS AND INSECTS Maps on incidences of:
Grasshopper
Anthrax
Black Pod
ArmyWorm
Cape St Paul Wilt Disease
African Swine Fever
Avian Influenza
Invasive Fruit fly
Larger Grain Borer
HYDRO METEOROLOGICAL Floods Hazard Maps for:
The Whole Country
Northern, Upper West and Upper East
Regions
V olta and Eastern Regions
Greater Accra Region
Central, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo
and Western Region
FIRES
Fire hazard map for six Regions

SECTION A
GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS

1.0 Seismic (Earthquakes)

2.0 Landslides

3.0 Coastal Erosion

Executive Summary
This report has been prepared to cover three of the geological hazards namely,
earthquakes, landslides and coastal erosion. Each hazard has been treated separately. The
purpose of the exercise is to prepare maps depicting the levels of hazards for each hazard
and in such a way as to be beneficial to the various stakeholders.
Hazard mapping has, in the past, not been taken seriously in Ghana even though the
country has been known to suffer from the effects of hazards such as earthquakes, floods,
landslides and coastal erosion. The UNDP has been particular since 1990, about the need
for member countries to prepare hazard maps for the various hazards that affect them. In
view of this, and realizing that Ghana has not carried out any coordinated hazard
mapping program, the UNDP has supported NADMO in this exercise. The main
objective is to prepare hazard maps for four hazard types namely; Geological hazards
(earthquakes, landslides and coastal erosion), hydro meteorological (floods), Biological
(pests and insects infestation) and Fires.
This section deals with three of the geological hazards, that is earthquakes, landslides and
coastal erosion. The main method used was to gather information, analyze them and
prepare the appropriate hazard maps. Sources of information included government
institutions (e.g. Geological Survey Department), the Universities, the Building and the
Road Research Institute (BRRI), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,
individual geoscientists, published and unpublished reports and / or papers. With regard
to landslides and coastal erosion, some Regional and District NADMO coordinators were
helpful. The local communities also volunteered useful information. Along the coast,
some fishermen, opinion leaders and assembly members enthusiastically assisted the
team in information gathering.
With regard to earthquakes, a regression equation that relates the intensity, the local
magnitude and the epicentral distance to the peak ground acceleration (PGA) was used.
Five main earthquakes zones based on PGA values have been demarcated for the country,
namely zones 0,1,2,3 and 4 with respective PGA values of 0.006g, 0.01g, 0.03g, 0.12g
and 0.35g where g is the gravitational acceleration (9.80m/sec/sec). Areas north of Ho
and those in and around Accra are the most seismically active with PGA values of 0.35g.
Areas north of Kumasi covering the entire Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and Upper
West Regions are in zone 0 that, is not seismically active. With landslides, the prone
areas are coincidental with areas of high relief and especially along the Voltaian
escarpment. With regard to coastal erosion, the east coast, that is, from the east of
Prampram is more severe than the west coast, that is, west of Axim to Half-Assini.
However, the erosion in Axim on the west coast is high with great damage potential.
Communities such as Azizanya, Wekumagble, Horvi and Brekusu in the east coast are
seriously affected and being threatened daily.

The maps show that earthquakes, landslides and coastal erosion hazards are potentially
dangerous in the identified zones or areas. They could cause extensive damage to
properties and loss of lives when they do occur.
The following recommendations have therefore been made:
Development in such zones or areas should be made with reference to the
maps.
The National Building Code should incorporate seismic design and
construction requirement to ensure that buildings are earthquake resistant in
zones 4, 3 and 2.
There should be effective collaboration between and amongst the relevant
organizations / institutions for proper documentation on landslides.
There should be enforceable documentation to
1. Discourage individuals or developers from building along hazardous
beaches, where necessary setback distances should be set.
2. Ensure that human activities such as sand winning are curtailed.
In all cases, there should be a coordinated program for a comprehensive study
of the various hazards to enhance periodic revision of the hazard maps.
NADMO should take the initiative and prepare the program with input from
the relevant stakeholder institutions / organizations and or individuals.

1.0 SEISMIC HAZARD MAPPING

CONTENTS

1.1
1.2

Introduction

1.3

Seismicity in Ghana

1.4

Geology of Ghana

Seismic Hazard

1.5.0 Methodology
1.5.1 Source Characterisation
1.5.2 Hazard Computation Method
1.6

Results and Discussions

1.7

Conclusions

1.8

Recommendations
References
Appendix

1.1 Introduction

Seismic hazard maps depict the levels of seismic risk in a given area. The mapping is a
useful tool for presenting information on seismic hazards essential for preparation of
seismic codes needed for proper design and construction of buildings and infrastructure,
general land use planning, and policy decision making with regard to disaster
management.

The basis of seismic hazard analysis is the analysis of seismicity or the occurrence of
earthquakes in space and time. Information generally used in the hazard map preparation
include:
Instrumental Seismicity: Earthquakes for which actual instrumental records exist.
Historical Seismicity: Records of earthquakes that occurred during the hundreds of years
of recorded human history
Paleoseismicity: Geologic record of earthquakes that occurred during the billions of
years of geologic time.
Seismic hazard analysis requires the specification of three basic elements:
An earthquake source (a fault)
A controlling earthquake of specified size (magnitude)
A means of determining the hazard usually given by the ground motion.
The commonly mapped ground motions are maximum intensity, Peak Ground
Acceleration (PGA), Peak Ground Velocity (PGV), and several Spectral Accelerations
(SA)

The peak ground acceleration (PGA) relates directly to the dangerous, earthquake related
phenomena such as ground shaking, fault rupture or soil liquefaction which could result
in the destruction of buildings, loss oflife or other adverse consequences to society.
PGA values denote maximum horizontal acceleration on competent soil. With soft or
unconsolidated soil and clays of appreciable depths, the ground accelerations will be
different from those indicated in PGA hazard maps.

Under the GSHAP, the hazard map shows the PGA which is virtually "a standardised" or
common measurement of ground shaking. The seismic hazard map of Ghana prepared
under this project has been presented in PGA values.
The information used includes:
Instrumental Seismicity: Epicentral and isosismals data, of instrumentally recorded
earthquakes (from 1973).
Historical Seismicity: Epicentral and isosismals data of historical earthquakes (from 1615
to 1969)

Geology and Major Fault Maps.

The seismic risk is then assessed by combining the hazard and vulnerability factors such
as type, value and age of buildings and infrastructure, population density and land use.

Data was gathered from sources such as the Geological Survey Department, University of
Ghana, (Department of Geology), published papers, and some individual scientists. Site
visits were made-to specific areas such as Axim, Ho, Weija, etc.
The instrumental seismicity data gathered since 1973 have been done with analogue
equipment. Computation of magnitudes, epicenters, and depths have been normally done
using some standard equations and with some elements of subjectivity. The record itself
is incomplete. For instance, there are no instrumentally recorded data for the period
August 1979 to June 1987.

The historical seismic data so far collected in the country since 1615 is sparse and apart
from the 1939 historical earthquake, almost all the historical earthquakes in Ghana have
not been properly documented.
Based on the available information / data and within the limits of such uncertainties, five
seismic hazard zones [ZONE 4, ZONE 3, ZONE 2, ZONE 1, ZONE 0] have been
delineated. ZONE 4 has the highest level of risk and ZONE 0 the lowest level of risk.

The PGA values for the zones have been calculated usmg the regression equation
provided by Murphy and O'brien as stated in Leiter (1990). The equation relates the
intensity, the local magnitude and the epicentral distances to the peak horizontal ground
acceleration. It is expected that the PGA map and the supporting documentation will
provide a useful seismic hazard framework for Ghana and serve as a resource for
improved and or detailed studies by the appropriate agencies and the individual research
scientists. It should therefore serve as a guide to all users including developers, land use
planners, engineers and policy makers.

10

1.2 Seismic Hazards

Seismic hazard is basically the probability of the occurrence of an earthquake with

potential for dangerous, seismogenic (earthquake related) phenomena such as ground
shaking fault rapture and soil liquefaction. The phenomena could result in the destruction
of buildings and other man made structures along with the loss oflife (Reiter 1990).
The earthquake motion and consequent effects can be very dependent upon local surface
conditions which depend largely on the geology of the area.
The effects of earthquakes on soft sediments have been known to be greater than those on
harder rocks. As the sedimentary rocks get younger and less consolidated, the relative
intensity of earthquake ground shaking increases with respect to the harder granitic,
metamorphic and volcanic rocks.
Seismic hazard assessment is the first step in the evaluation of the seismic risk obtained
by convolving the seismic hazard with local site effects (anomalous amplifications tied to
soil conditions, local geology and topography) and with the vulnerability factors (type,
value and age of buildings and infrastructure, population density, landuse, date and time
of day)

11

The basic elements of modem probabilistic seismic hazard assessment as implemented by

the GSHAP can be grouped into the following four categories:

>- Earthquake catalogues and databases (historical seismicity, instrumental

seismicity).

>- Earthquake source characterisation (creating seismic sources usmg evidence

from earthquake catalogs, seismotectonics, paleo seismicity , geomorphology,
mappmg of active faults, geodetic estimates of crustal deformation, remote
sensing, and geodynamic modelling).

>- Strong seismic ground motion - the evaluation of ground shaking on a function of
earthquake size and distance.

>- Computation of seismic hazard - the computation of the probability of occurrence

of ground shaking in a given time period to produce maps of seismic hazards and
related uncertainties at appropriate scales.

The elements used in assessing the level of seismic hazard under the current project and
for that matter in Ghana are:

Historical earthquakes (from1615 to 1969)

Instrumentally recorded earthquakes (from 1973)
Isoseismals of both historic and instrumentally recorded earthquakes
Geological and major fault maps
Human Settlement and population data

The following table and maps indicate the type of information used.
Table 1 (Appendix Al.1)

Fig.Al.1

List of all known historic earthquakes

Map showing historic earthquakes and

their maximum intensities(1615-1669)

Fig.Al.2, Fig Al.3, FigA1A

Isoseismal maps of 1862, 1906 and 1939
earthquakes respectively

Fig Al.5
Map showing earthquakes in Ghana
(1615-2003)
Fig A1.7, Fig A1.8
Instrumentally Recorded Earthquakes: 20%
outlier removed and 50% Kernel density
Fig A1.IO

view respectively

Microseismic map showing epicenters of

instrumentally recorded earthquakes,
major faults and the geology
Fig A1.11

Seismic hazard map that has been prepared

using all the available data.
13

Fig.A1.1 Historic Earthquakes (1615-1969)

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1.3 Seimicity In Ghana

Ghana, by location, does not lie along any of the well known tectonic plate boundaries
which mark the recognized global earthquake zones. However, Ghana has a well
documented history of damaging earthquakes around Magnitude 6 occurnng mostly
along the coastal zones. Junner (1941); Adams and Ambraseys (1986).
The historical catalogue for Ghana begins m 1615 and the most significant historic
damaging earthquakes are, Elmina (1615), Axim(1636), Accra(1862), Ho(1906), and
Accra(1939).
Less damaging ones have occurred in 1858, 1863, 1883, 1907, 1911, 1923, 1925 and
1930.
Earthquake swarms occurred in 1918-1919 and 1933-1935.
In more recent times earthquakes of magnitude 3.5 or higher have been felt in 1964,
1967,1969, 1978, 1985 and 1995.

Instrumental recordings of earthquakes (with analogue equipment) started in August,

1973. The instrumental catalogue includes all micro earthquakes (those with magnitude
less than or equal to 3)
It has been observed from both historical and instrumental recorded data that all the
earthquake activity in Ghana can be associated with three major tectonic zones of
weakness active in Ghana.

In the south-west, is the Cote d' Ivoire fault which cuts through the south
western edge of Ghana

Near Accra we have the Coastal Boundary fault, a major fault parallel with the
coast just a few kilometers off shore and trending east-west. To the east, this
fault most probably strikes inland and continues as the faulted northern margin
of the Keta Basin.

18

Finally there is the north-east trending Akwapim fault which intersects with the
Coastal Boundary fault just to the west of Accra. Blundell (1976).

Most, of the micro-earthquake epicentres have been located in the area where the
Akwapim fault intersects the coastal boundary fault. Numerous intersection faults are
also present in this area which can compound the earthquake effects. This is the reason
why Ambrasseys and Adams (1986) indicated that this area (Accra) is the most
seismically active in West Africa.
From the instrumental seismicity records so far, there is very little micro seismic activity
outside south eastern Ghana. This could be due to the fact that seismological stations are
skewed towards the east.
According to Essel (1979) the seismic activity in Ghana is related to deep seated active
faults. Also, earthquakes in Ghana are purely intraplate, and unlike the interplate
earthquake found along the well known tectonic plate boundaries, the origin of
intraplate
earthquakes is still poorly understood and because of their unexpectedness and
infrequency, they result in major disasters.

19

Fig.A1.5

Earthquakes in Ghana (1615-2003)

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(Richter Scale)
<Jl 1-2

2,1-4

-----.4,1+

Fault

Road

0"25'

0"30'

0"15'

0"20'

0"10'

Kernel Epicente r
Concentration (% of Total)

/~)
l /~/
~"\\(,\50%

\ \r~'
l}{ ) \

",. (1'/)
jO",
,~ /
\,

'"--._.."......,..-

')cor
.:;.0/0

Legend

.<.,~~.--.~"-'>

Convex polygon oltotal activity

22

Fig.A1.8 Instrumental Recorded Earthquakes (50% kernel density view)

18.

0-20'

5'E::::::::::::::::::::::::3::===:j0::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::":::20::::::::' ::::::::=35 Kilometers

Legend
Kernel Epicenter
Conce ntration
(% of Total)

Magnitude
(Richter Scale)

2.1-4
.4.1+

Fault

~ L-

w6
s

Map

/'-;

<D 1 - 2

-----------

Overview

50

{,/'~
\

"(
'" \\\ c'''%' 1
\ .c.V,/
""_2

______

R_o_a_d ____________ ~
1I:~'cr a ee r a

Convex polygon of total activity

23

1.4 Ceology of Ghana

According to (Kesse, G. 0, 1985), Fig A1.9 Ghana falls neatly within the Precambrian
Guinean Shield of West Africa. The country is divided into five main geological
provinces; namely:

The shield area (or western unit);

The south eastern unit which belongs to the Precambrian Mobile Belt;

The central unit mainly of the sediments of the Voltaian System;

The coastal basins and

The Tertiary to Recent deposits

The shield area (western unit) consists of Birimian metasedimentary (volcaniclastics,

greywacke and argillite); Birimian metavolcanics (basaltic flows, volcaniclastics and sub
volcanic rocks);the Tarkwaian Group(a slightly younger, unconformable unit of
sandstones and conglomerates which overlies the Birimian volcanic rocks); belt
granitoids and basin granitoids which intrude respectively the Birimian metavolcanics
and metasediments ..

South eastern unit(Precambrian Mobile Belt) is made up of The Togo series

( quartzites, sandstones, phyllites) The Buem Formation ( mafic volcanics, shale, jasper
and sandstones). The Dahomeyan System (Reactivated Birimian rocks; acid and basic
gneisses, schists and migmatite).

The Central Unit has The Voltaian System (sandstones, mudstone and shale; basal
sandstone). These rocks are generally undeformed.

The Coastal Basins: They are sedimentary basins that occur along the entire coast of
Ghana from the extreme east to extreme west coast, they include the following:

The Keta Basin: Made up of sand, gravel, siltstones shales and clays with layers
of fosciliferous limestone

24

The Accraian Series: They are Devonian Sedimentary rocks which occur in
several places around Accra and are made up of upper sandstone and shale
formation, middle shale formation and lower sandstones with a basal grit.

The Amisian Formation: This outcrops at a number of places along the

coast
near the mouth of River Amisa between Saltpond and Winneba and are made
up
of a series of interbedded, soft, pebbly grits, conglomerates, micaceous
sandstones, arkose and greenish grey clay.

The Sekodian Series: Consists mainly of sandstones and shales with

conglomerates, pebble beds, grits and mud stone resting with major
unconformity
on a complex of granites, gneisses and schists. They occur in several
disconnected
outcrops along the coast between Cape Coast and the mouth of the Butre river
near Dixcove.

The Appolonian (Tano Basin) Formation: They are Cretaceous - Eocene

marine sedimentary rocks which occur at the southwest comer of Ghana and
consist of alternating sands, clays and limestone.

The Tertiary to Recent deposits: These deposits consist of river, marine, and
lacustrine
gravels, sands and clays, laterite, bauxite and surface ironston

25

Fig.A1.9 Map of Ghana showing the Shield Area, the Mobile Belt, the Voltaian
Platform, the Coastal Basins, and Tertiary to Recent Deposits (After Kesse, 1985)

19.
20.

W-tE
N

21.

D~ T,F,(;F,Nn
GEOLOGY

Coastal basin, Tertiary to recent deposits

III

Mobile belt - South eastern unit

Shield area tnJ e stem unit
'IIoltaian platform -Central unit

26

1.5.0 Methodology

The method used in the preparation of the seismic hazard map can be summarized as
follows:

Data gathering I or assemblage

Seismic Source
Characterization
Seismic Hazard Computation IMap Preparation.

1.5.1 Data Gathering

Relevant institutions and individual research scientists were contacted for information on
earthquakes and earthquake related issues. Most of the information was collected from
the Geological Survey Department, the Geology Department, University of Ghana and a
few research scientists, published papers and other reports. A few of the reports sighted,
highlight the need for seismic considerations in the design of structures - especially
concrete ones. These include the following:
The report on the 1939 earthquakes by Junner and Bates.
The PWD report of 1972 on considerations for earthquake design structures.
The code for the Seismic Design of Concrete Structures (1990) by the Buildings
and Road Research Institute.
The West African Building Code - part III, 1960. However the following data for
the hazard mapping were also gathered.
Historical Earthquakes (from 1615 - 1997)
Instrumentally recorded Earthquakes (since 1973)
Isoseismals of both historic and instrumentally recorded earthquakes
Geological and structural maps,
Site visits were made to some of the coastal areas (eg Axim, Weija).

27

1.5.2 Seismic Source Characterisation

The earthquake catalogue for Ghana served as the source of data for characterization for
the seismic hazard map. The zoning has been done based primarily on

The isoseismals (maximum intensity).

The geology and the geological faults,

The distribution of cities, towns and other human settlements.

The characterization of seismic sources actually seeks to obtain robust answers to these
questions; where do earthquakes occur? How often do they occur?, and how big can
we expect these earthquakes? Seismicity catalogs are the fundamental tools used to
determine where, how often and how big earthquakes are likely to occur. The results
from seismic monitoring, the historic record, geodetic monitoring and the geologic record
are therefore combined to characterize seismic sources.
With the data at hand an approach was chosen based on the assumption that any
earthquake that has occurred in the past may happen again in the future. To this end,
isoseismals of past major earthquakes were used and areas around faults that had
produced earthquakes in the past demarcated as the most probable area to be affected by
earthquakes in future.

For this exercise, and based on the available information, an earthquake with the
following characterization has been considered.

28

Fault zones where a controlling earthquake of magnitude 6.5 could originate:

The Cote d' Ivoire fault which cuts through the south western edge of Ghana.

Coastal Boundary fault, a major fault almost parallel with the coast just a few
kilometers off shore and trending east-west. To the east, this fault most probably
strikes inland and continues as the faulted northern margin of the Keta Basin.

The north-east trending Akwapim fault which intersects with the Coastal
Boundary

The intersection of the Coastal Boundary Fault and the Akwapim fault zone.

1.5.3 Hazard Computation Method

There is no strong motion equipment III Ghana for direct measurement of various
elements of actual ground movements. Ground motion estimations for the purpose of
seismic hazard analysis can only be made using models based on measurements from
other parts of the world. Reiter (1990) refers to a model based on regression computed by
Murphy and O'brien for the Western United States. This model relates the intensity
(I MM), the local magnitude (ML), and the epicentral distance (A), to the estimated
average horizontal component peak ground acceleration (a).

29

Log a =0.14 I MM + 0.24 ML -0.68Log(~)+0.6

This has been adopted for estimating the Horizontal Component Peak Ground
Acceleration (PGA) in the various hazard zones demarcated in the zonation map
(Akoto,
1998).

ZONES
Seismic Parameter

Max. Intensity (I MM)

IX

VII

IV

III

Max Magnitude (ML)

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

Avg. Epicentral Distance (M

20km

40km

100km

250km

400km

PGA (a) cm see"

347

112

32

12.3

6.5

a/g

0.35

0.12

0.03

0.01

0.006

g = 980 em sec-l is the Gravitational

Acceleration

PGA for Zone 4

=0.35 g

PGA for Zone 3

=0.12 g

PGA for Zone 2

=0.03 g

PGA for Zone 1

=O.Olg

PGA for Zone 0

= 0.006 g

30

Fig.A1.10 Map showing Geology, Geological faults and Earthquake

Epicentres

E
a
r
t
h
q
u
a
k
e
(
i
6
1
5
2
0
0
3
)

R
i
r
;
h
t
e
r
S
c
a
l
e

2
.
1

4
.
1

6
.
5

31
Source: Geobgical Sl,.Ituey Dept. (G han a ]
Ge~I09J
_

&jrimi~nvol~Dni . (2.2Ga)

8:eIHJP gnnimid N k~ {2.2 GIll

B:~~in we glaniboid I'(o.:;k!l (2.1 Ga)

[}'homt)'lIn

Pt:.n-Aii . n(&utm)-thru!ltuni~

fauli:

Oo .
nthrolfJ

Fig. A1.11
oJ

11

1
0

SEISMIC HAZARO MAP OF ~n.", .

TAMA LE

11

10

32

oJ

Fig.A1.12 Earthquake Epicenter Map and Computed Intensity Distribution for

Ghana (1615-2003)
Triangles: felt earthquakes. Earthquake data from LEYDECKER & AMPONSAH (2004),

M
M

AMPONSAH (2002) and Geological Survey Dept.

Ghana - Earth quake epicenter map and computed intensity distribution (16152003)
~QA'IINO)Il

1
0

TlltMiLE

Ghana

'll ~.

c
c

(j'lvoire
A

(l)

SUllYANI

Legend
Magno" de

Intensity

Inten sity Zones

1 1.9

14

7.

2-2.9

~.

4.1 -5

5.1 -6

7.

..

6.1 -7

7.1 -8

6.
5

.&.

8.1 -9

3- 3.9

..,

4- 4.8

-I
Fe~ Earthquakes

00
Fig
A1.12

__

-2

-4

E3 ~

00

100

150

8.59

(ls cs etsrnals)

200 Kilome! . s

Dot. from LEYDECKER& AMPONSAH (2004),AMPONSAH (2002)& Geological SurveyDept""ccra.

1.6 Results And Discussion

The prepared seismic hazard map Fig AI.II of Ghana depicts the PGA values. Five
distinct PGA zones have been identified with the areas in and around Accra, Wejia and
Ho as those with the highest PGA value of 0.35g. The areas to the north of Ashanti
including the Brong Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West and Northern Region are virtually
aseismic with a PGA value of 0.006g
The highest PGA values are coincident with the Akwapim fault zone and the intersection
of the same fault zone with the coastal boundary fault. These fault systems are active and
these highest values imply the possibility of the occurrence of magnitude 6.5 earthquakes
with the strongest ground shaking.

The seismic hazard map depicts the shaking hazard that will have the largest effects on
one and two storey buildings/ structures (the largest class of buildings/structures in
Ghana). There are no instrumentally recorded strong motion data in the country. This
hazard map has therefore been derived from the maximum intensity and maximum
magnitude data. It is therefore to serve as a guide for the design and construction of
earthquake resistant buildings and structures.

In areas of Ghana where there are soft unconsolidated soils liable to liquefactions, the
PGA values could be amplified as much as five times. Generally amplification of ground
amplitude or PGA is dependant on several factors such as the frequency of seismic
waves, and the thickness of unconsolidated rocks among others. In such situations actual
amplification factors have to be measured.
In Muff et al (2006), Leydecker employed a deterministic approach and drew isoseismals
around each epicentre of past earthquakes (1615-2003) using a computer program written
in FORTRAN IV. The hazard map produced Fig A1.12 shows that the next earthquake
with the highest intensity(8.0-9.0) is expected to occur in areas around Ho and West of
Sekondi(near Axim). The present hazard map Fig AI.ll shows that the next expected
earthquake with local magnitude (ML) 6.5 or greater and intensity 9(IX) is to occur in

34

some areas north of Ho and areas in and around Accra including Weij a. In Reiter (1990),
Murphy and O'Brien stated that the best model relating to intensity and ground motion
would be one that took into account epicentral distance~)and local magnitude(ML) and
geographic region as has been used in the preparation of the PGA value hazard map.
From past and present records, areas in and around Accra continue to be the most seismic
in the country; and all things being equal, should have the highest potential for the next
devastating earthquake as the present map depicts. The PGA value hazard map should be
preferred. However Leydecker's 'isoseismal' hazard map gives food for thought.
Earthquakes in Ghana are shallow and the hypocentres lie at depths of less than 20
kilometres. Shallow earthquakes can be very destructive, because the geometrical
damping is low and the earth's crust is brittle and snaps very rapidly when stress is
relieved.

Microseismic activity is concentrated in south eastern Ghana where the seismograph

network is installed. Activity outside the network may go unnoticed. Also written
records of historic earthquakes are concentrated along the coast where European settlers
were located (1600 - 1900).

Conclusions
With the limited seismic data, a seismic hazard map has been produced for Ghana. This
map can serve as a guide in designing buildings and structures in Ghana. Southern parts
of Ghana are more prone to earthquakes and earthquake effects like ground shaking and
fault rapture.

The country has been divided into five main seismic hazard zones namely zones 0, 1, 2, 3
and 4.

35

Zone 2 has a PGA value of O.03g,

Zone 3 has a PGA value of O.12g,
and
Zone 4 has a PGA value of O.35g
Development in these areas must involve an earthquake disaster mitigation plan.

Zone 0 has a PGA value of

O.006g
Zone 1 has a PGA value of
O.Olg
Zones 0 and 1 can be regarded as areas of low risk.
Earthquakes in Ghana are intrapalate and of shallow depth. Because intraplate
earthquakes are low frequency/low probability but high impact phenomena, even policy
makers invariably are tempted to ignore the inherent danger. It is expected that this
seismic hazard map will influence the thinking and policy direction of the government
with regard to earthquake related issues; more so now that the international financing
institutions such as the World Bank may require such a map to facilitate loan
applications.
The PGA map and the supporting documentation are designed to provide a useful hazard
framework for Ghana and serve as resource for proper detailed studies by the appropriate
agencies and the individual research scientists. Such proper detailed studies will involve
appropriate ground motion relationship, proper digital monitoring of instrumental
earthquakes (at least to avoid the subjectivity factor in calculating for the ML and
epicentral distances) and inclusion of scenario events for Ghana. Hopefully, this will
improve the seismic hazard map which should be updated periodically, say every ten
years!

The absence of microseismic activity and historical earthquakes in the northern parts of
Ghana may not imply complete safety from earthquake hazards in that section of the
country. Proper monitoring of seismicity is needed to arrive at a better conclusion.

36

1.7 Recommendation

1. Twelve Station Seismic Network with the state of the art technology should be
established in Ghana for the purpose of proper monitoring of earthquake
activities.
2. The Geological Disaster Technical Committee of NADMO should be made to
draw up and supported to execute a program for site specific seismic risk
assessment in the country for selected cities such as Accra This should be done in
collaboration with appropriate agencies
3. The National Building Code should incorporate seismic design and construction
requirements.
4. The active faults, fault zones or fault systems in Ghana should be properly
mapped for authentic seismotectonic maps to be prepared.
5 The National seismological team should be revived for a coordinated effort in
handling seismic issues in the country.

37

References
Akoto M. A; 1998: Impact of Sea Level and adaptation strategy for the coastal zone of
Ghana; Seismicity and seismic hazards; Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana
Report

Ambraseys, N. N and Adams R. D; 1986: Seismicity of West Africa" Annales of

Geophysics 4B (6) 679-708

Amponsah P.E 2002: Seismic activity in relation to fault systems in southern Ghana.
Journal of Africa Earth sciences 35 (2002) PP. 227 -234

Blundell, D. J., and Banson, J.K.A.;197S: Interpretation of Seismic reflection survey

across the continental shelf of south of bAccra and its bearing on earthquakes in the area.
Rep. Geol. Survey, No. 7511, Accra.

Blundell D. J; 1976: "Active faults in West Africa" Earth and Planetary science letters
Vol 132 . pp. 287-290.

Blundell, D. J. and Akoto M; 1993: Earthquakes hazard and risk mitigation in

Ghana"SCCD vol. 7 No . 4 pp. 30-31

Everndern, J. F 1969:"Identification of earthquakes and explosions by use of

teleseismic data"Journal of Geological research 74. pp. 3828-3856

38

Giardimi Dominico; 1999:Annali Di Geofisica - The Global Seismic Hazard

Assessment Program (GSHAP) 1992-1999; Summary Volume ICP Publication No. 350
and IG/ETHCPublication n 1104
Junner, M. R, 1941:"The Accra Earthquake of 22nd June, 1939". Gold Coast Geological
Survey Bulletin No 13,

Kesse, G. 0; 1985:

The Mineral and Rock Resources of Ghana. A.A.

BALKEMAIROTTERDAM/BOSTON
Leydecker, G. and Amponsah P. E. 2004: Earthquake Catolog for Ghana, Geological
Survey Department, Accra, Ghana.
Muff R, Okla R, Anokwa Y.M, Brakohiapa E,Brown R,Edifor D.R, Efa E,Abel Th,
Leydecker G; 2006: Geoinformation for Land Use Planning and Urban development in
the Greater Metropolitan Area with Schematic Map of suggested Land Use 1: 1 00,000
and Geohazard Map 1: 100,000: Ghana- Germany technical Cooperation Project;
Environmental and Engineering Geology for Urban Planning in the Accra- Tema Area.

Quaah, A.O

1980: Microseismicity, Past Seismic Activity and Seismic Risk m

Southern Ghana. PhD Thesis University of London.

Reiter, L; 1990:"Earthquakes hazard analysis, issues and insights" Columbia University

Press.

Stoltman, J P; Lidstone J; De Chano, L. M. (Editors)2004:Advances in Natural and

Technological Hazards Research "International Perspectives on National Disasters Occurrence, Mitigation, and Consequences" Kluvver Academic Publishers.

39

Viccari Franco; 1998: Lecture notes for Training Workshop on earthquake hazard
mitigation in Ghana: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Building and
Road Research Institute (BRRI).
Appendix Al
Table 1:
DATE

1615

1812/1636

Historical Earthquake Occurrences In Ghana

EPICENTER

CAUSE

MAGNITUDE
(M)

Damage to Fort St. George in Elmina.

Near Cape
Coast

Near Axim

EFFECTS AND FELT AREAS

5.7

The Axim district was badly shaken. The

buildings and underground workings of the
Portuguese gold mine at Aboasi, which was
situated near the Duma River, north -east of
Axim, collapsed and many of the workers
were buried. Damamge along Axim coast,
Fort Sa Antonio at Axim was cracked.
First reported earthquake known to have

1858

shaken Accra strongly. Caused panic but

probably little or no damage.
Commercial activity stopped for many
months in Accra. Widely felt in Togo,
Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali, was
perceptible in Sierra Leone and Senegal.

1862

28/07/1862

Near Accra

6.5

Ruined much of the coastal area of Ghana

and Togo, and inland areas of Akwapim and
Ashanti: 3 people were killed; every stone
building in Accra was razed to the ground, many houses
almost totally destroyed; some
public buildings - Fort St. James, Usher and
Christianborg Castle were rendered
uninhabitable and evacuated. Large cracks
in rocks near Fort St. James.

1871

4.5

Severe shocks felt in Accra, caused panic.

15/04/1872

4.9

Several violent shocks occurred in Accra,

considerable damage, many houses
destroyed, few senous but no senous
accidents occurred.

1883

20/11/1906

Felt along the coast, walls of Christianborg

Castle and nearby houses cracked, caused
panic in Accra and Winneba, felt in Cape
Coast

4.6

Near Ho

Akwapim
Fault

5.0

Greatest damage m Ho area, some

government buildings were badly damaged
or partly destroyed, many houses badly
cracked and uninhabitable. In Accra Castle, James and
Usher Fort suffered much damage, some houses
cracked but none seriously. Abnormal fluctuations of
sea level observed in Togo, coast flooded a number of
times but no damage.

09/02/1909

8km South of
Tema

22/06/1939

Offshore, 40km

Coastal
fault

4.9

Felt in Accra and Tema

Felt in many parts of West Africa, caused

6.5
6.5

south-south

great damage (worth about f 1 million) in

Accra area, 22 people died, about 133 injured, many

east

houses collapsed, 1500

of Accra.

houses had to be demolished, over 600 had to be

repaired to make them habitable, isolated foundation
failures due to liquefaction around Sakumono lagoon
and along the coast, ground rapture over distance of
20km between Weija and Fetteh

05/09/1978

8km North of
Weija

4.7
Akwapim
Fault

Fault
Akwapim
41

Felt seriously In Accra, McCarthy Hill

Oboglo, Tema

3.8
08/01/1997
Weija

Akwapim
Fault

Felt in McCarthy Hill, Aplaku, Madina,

West Legon, Kasoa, Tema. Panic no
injuris.

14/02/1997

Weija

Akwapim
Fault

4.1

Kasoa, Bortianor, Mallam, Ashaiman,

Legon, Cape Coast, Koforidua, Cracks were
noticed in buildings west of McCarthy Hill
and Bortianor and one building In the
Adweso Estate, Koforidua

06/03/1997

Weija

Akwapim
Fault

4.8

Felt in Cape Coast, Apam, Akwapim Ridge

towns, Ho, Koforidua, Obuasi. Stampede at
national theater fire outbreak; Kaneshie
North Industrial area, cracks In some
buildings in Accra.

Appendix AI:2

Relation of Earthquake Effects to Geology

Detailed studies of earthquakes in various parts of the world have shown that the effects
of earthquakes on buildings and other structures vary greatly with the nature and structure
of the underlying rocks, and also to an appreciable extent with the topography. (Junner
1941). Generally structures that are built on solid rocks are more stable than those built
on soil or unconsolidated sediments, especially if they are poorly drained or if they
compress when shaken by an earthquake. Buildings and infrastructure founded on such
soils may collapse due to phenomena such as liquefaction, landslides and subsidence.

Other things being equal the effects are least:

(a)

Where the underlying rock is homogenous and particularly where it IS

weathered and free from fractures.

(b)

on flat ground underlain at shallow depth by solid rock or underlain by sand

and clay containing little or no water, and

(c)

where foundations are on solid rock, or are deep and massive and greatest:

(a)

on swampy alluvial ground such as waterlogged sands, gravels, clays, silt or

made-up ground;

(b)

where the underlying rocks are of variable composition, texture and harness or
are weathered, fractured, faulted or separated by unconformities;

(c)

along the contact of soft waterlogged alluvium and solid rock;

(d)

along spurs and hills and at points where there is an abrupt change in the slope
of the ground, for example on hill slopes, river banks, cliffs, embankments
and ditches. (Junner 1941)

With reference to the geology of Ghana (Fig Al :9), the old crystalline rocks, that is the
granitoids in the Shield area, and the gneisses of the Dahomeyan System are good
conductors of seismic waves and make excellent foundations for buildings and

43

infrastructure in seismic zones. The Birimian metavo1canics are good conductors when
fresh and strong, but could be poor conductors within unconsolidated saprolite horizons.
The Birimian metasediments are relatively good conductors when they are strong and
fresh; but they are poor when weathered and especially within soft argillites. The Togo
quartzites and quartz-schists within the Mobile Belt are good conductors when hard and
fresh; but in areas where they contain bands of soft phyllites and are fractured and faulted
(eg. In Weija), they are relatively poor conductors. Hard, fresh and strong sandstones
within the Central Unit (The Voltaian System) could be good conductors, but they are
generally poor conductors where they are interbedded with soft shales and mudstones and
are extensively weathered. The rocks within the coastal basins are not generally good
conductors except in areas where they are hard, compact, homogenous and strong. For
instance, alternating beds of sandstone and shale of variable hardness, texture and degree
of weathering, such as the Accraian beds at Accra, are poor conductors of seismic waves.

The Tertiary and Recent deposits are generally loose and unconsolidated and are
relatively poor conductors of seismic waves.

44

2.0 Landslide Hazards in Ghana

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Types of landslide
2.3 Geology
2.4 Causes of landslides
2.4.1 Causes of Landslides In The Voltaian System
2.5 Methodology
2.6 Landslide Hazard Map Preparation
2.7 Results And Discussions
2.8 Conclusion
2.9 Recommendation
References
Appendix

45

2.0 Landslide Hazard in Ghana

2.1 Introduction

Landslide and related phenomena can cause substantial damage and loss of life and
property. In Ghana, landslides have been known to occur on hill tops/side and especially
during heavy rains. Unfortunately, most of them have not been properly documented
even though they have been destructive at times; blocking main roads, destroying farms,
and settlements, damning of rivers down slope. In July 1968, 1500m3 of rock, soil and
vegetation blocked the Kumasi - Mampong road for 10 days (Ayetey, 1989). In April,
2007, the same Kumasi -Mampong road was blocked and closed to vehicular traffic for
almost a month. This was because of a serious landslide that occurred on the Mampong
scarp. In October 2007, fourteen people were displaced and two autoparts stores were
affected by a landslide that occurred at Elubo in the Jomoro district of the Western
Region. Landslides have been reported to occur in places such as Pokuase in the Greater
Accra Region; Kumawu and the Ejura scarp in the Ashanti Region, Abansu in the Brong
Ahafo Region; Nakpanduri in the Northern Region and some other places. At
Nakpanduri the road linking the Northern Region to the Upper East Region was
completely blocked to traffic.
Landslide can be defined as a down slope movement of rock/soil under gravity. There is
a slope failure when the driving force along the slope exceeds the resisting or frictional
force. The term landlside can also refer to other down slope movement such as slope
failure, and mass wasting as well as the related phenomena of earth flows, mudflow and
rock falls. In this write up, all the mass movement are therefore referred to as landlsides.

The purpose of this exercise was to prepare a landslide hazard map based on available
data. Since most of the data gathered were not properly documented, the hazard map has
been prepared based primarily on that produced by Ayetey (1989). It shows that

46

landslides in Ghana occur mostly on escarpments, especially on the Voltaian escarpment.

Some of the landslides have affected roads, farms, forest and a few settlements.

2.2 Types of Landslides

The types of landslides can be classified as slide, slump, flow, fall, topple or complex
slides.

Slide

- Occurs when there is movement along a planar surface e.g. Joint, bedding
plane. It is typical of rocks and is varied in size and depth.

Slump

-It is also referred to as rotational slide. Here the failure surface is arc-shape.
It is common in soils and deeply weathered rocks; it is varied in size and
depth.

Flow

- This could be dry or wet; in the wet flows, saturated materials also flow out
of the slope e.g. debris flow. The flow failure is shallow and is common on
steep slopes. It can pose high hazard due to highly erosive nature, major
damage can be caused if the velocity of flow high.

Fall

- This is free fall of loosened blocks of soil or rock; it is typical in rock falls.

Topple

- This is due to forward rotation and tilting of rock or soil units.

Complex - It is a combination of landslide type; soil/rock combinations.

Slides

47

2.3 Geology

The Geology of Ghana is as shown in Fig A2.1 Most of the western and northern parts of
Ghana are underlain by Paleoproterozoic metabasaltic and metasedimentary rocks of the
Birimian Supergroup. The metabasalts form a NE-SW trending volcanic belts which are
separated by metsedimentary basins. The metavolcanics are made up of greenstone,
mainly metamorphosed basic and intermediate lava and pyroclastic rocks with
interbedded bands of phyllite and greywacke; whilst the metasediments are made up
of slate, phyllite, greywacke, tuffa and lava together with schist and gneiss derived from
these rocks. The Birimian rocks are isoclinally folded with dips generally greater than
60. Overlying the metevolcanis is the" Tarkwaian group" which is an unconformable
unit of mainly sandstone and conglomerates. Many granitoids intrude the Birimian
super group.

The central part of the country is the V oltaian System which is made up of a thick
succession of undeformed Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic sedimentary rocks mainly
sandstones, shale and mudstone. The Voltaian form a lot of a escarpment especially in
areas where the lie uncomfortably on the Birimian. The eastern part of the country consist
of rocks of the Pan African mobile belt which is made up of the Togo Series (quartzites
sandstones and phyllites), the Buen formation (mafic volcanics, shale, jasper and
sandstone ),and the Dahomeyan System (reactivated Birimian rocks, ortho- and paragneisses, schist and migmatite). These are thrust units.

Along the coast, some areas are underlain by late Paleozoic and Mesozoic flat or gently
dipping sedimentary rocks.

48


Fig A2.1 Geological Map of Ghana

GHANA Simplified Geology

10

50

~~~==~

50 Kilometers

--~T~\=~"=5ts~T

2.4 Causes of Landslides

An increase in driving force or decrease in resisting force in earthen materials are often
masked by immediate causes such as earthquake shocks, vibrations or sudden increase of
water entering the slope. In road construction or housing development, for instance, the
real cause of landslides could be the poor designed slope but the immediate cause could
be earthquake shocks, vibrations or heavy down pour of rains. Landslides at Highway
sides along hills could be attributed to poor designs of cut slopes. Such poor designs
could trigger off successive slides along incipient failure planes in the slope.

Other causes are the occurrence of weak rock/soil overlying failure planes, slope
undercutting, earthquake, or blast vibrations and water. In effect, the geology,
geomorphology and climate contribute to landslides where there is weak rock/soil,
foliated/fractured rocks, steep mountainous terrain, high drainage density; warm tropical
climate and high seasonal rainfall.

Weathering is a contributing factor affecting slopes in the tropics. Whereas lateritic

horizons in a weathered profile perform well as slope materials, saprolitic soils are
unsatisfactory as slope materials.

It can be said, generally, that the three principal causes for landslides are excessrve
rainfall, human activities and earthquakes.

50

2.4.1 Causes of Landslides in the Voltaian System

A study conducted by Ayetey (1989) around the Mampong escarpment indicates that
within the Voltaian System of Ghana three major causes of slope failure have been
identified. These are:
a. Structural discontinuities - The Voltaian System along the Kumasi - Mampong road
consists of massive, extensively jointed sandstone with interbedded shale and mudstone.
Differential weathering of the softer shale and mudstone undercut the sandstone as much
as 4m. Tension cracks developed in the massive sandstone which eventually failed.
b. Texture of Soils - the particle size distribution of the debris was important m
subsequent failures of the decomposed Voltaian material. After the rockfall, huge
boulders decomposed into smaller particles, the strength changed considerably and the
slope became unstable and failed again.
c. Vegetation - The landslide in the Kumasi - Mampong road section is in the rain
forest area of Ghana. Large roots of trees in this area penetrate deeply into the rock
through joints, acting as wedges, and in time, pushing over the shattered rocks. During
windstorms, tree and root movement may also cause the widening of rock joints with
subsequent release ofthe boulders down slope initiating landslides and rockfalls ..

2.5 Methodology.
The methods adopted are the following:
a.

To gather information / data on landslides (from organizations, institutions,

individual scientists, published and unpublished reports, working visits to
communities, etc.).

b.

To analyse data / information, where possible and to prepare landslide hazard

map or to update existing landslide hazard maps (whichever is applicable)

Data gathering was not easy, even mandated institutions such as the Geological
Survey Department; do not have a concise record of landslide events in Ghana. Only
a few published and unpublished reports were sighted. However it appears that people

51

in some of the communities have ideas of occurrences but are not sure of the exact
spots and the time of occurrence or recurrence ..

2.6 Landslide Hazard Map Preparation

Ayetey (1989) produced a landslide hazard map of Ghana. The original map was
digitised and prepared and as shown in Fig.A2.2 .Information gathered from the field
work and other sources could not be used in the preparation of the map because the spots
could not be properly georeferenced. The recent landslide potential map prepared by
Muff R. et al (2006) covers only a section of the Akwapimian escarpment as part of the
Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. This map has been presented separately as Fig. A2.4
Information gathered during the working visits could not be used since the reported
landslides could not be properly located.

52


Fig.A2.2 Landslide Hazard Map of Ghana

GHANA - Relief & Land Slide hazard map

Legend
Relief fftJ

D
D

accue 2000
1000-2000
500-1000
0-500

Kilometers
Land slide prone

53

FigA2.3 Soil Erosion Hazard Map of Ghana

1
I

T
I

~I

"

Ij

1-

iJ

Fig A2:3
EROSION HAZARD
MAP OF GHANA

lEGEND
~

''''f

!.."NO A/f~A WHf.~

AAf:OOIolINAHl !ROSIOH
I+A%AIrOI$ foLIOHT TO IfOOq"H ~rllfftlttlilQlol

CEJp''''

LiiJ-.@

C ~ . "'1'10 AIle 'jJta:ltt nor; f'IIICOO t T I!IIos.o,,"

HA14flD IS WITI'I WooER"T!!: rc vtR'!' SEVER
!riEU ~HO GU'L.L.'I' UlOJlON tuT JfO.M O' THt
"011111[11:

[3] . _

..
.

13l""~
..

[!!J v.,., ,..

Qw

6)
...

t, . IIQ AU" WH~[ hi! ~tDO"'IH.JtT 'fOSIOJj

1'11.:10"0 n; 11'11)1 !1..\!UtT TO V/'I1' IJUGHT f.>tu;r
tltOSIOfi

[5] ..

,'*' ..

[i;J ~.,

...
.
L
~
c-

54

o.n
o.n
Fig A2.4

Environmental and Engineering Geology Map of Accra Metropolitan Area

Urban Erosion and Potential Rockfall Zones 1: 100 000

Intensity of &rosfol1

"~m

r-~--~'"'"~_~_~-'--'-

Of

G\)\~f.p..

\) \.. yo

[.

"
After Muff R, et al (2006)

Potenllal rockfall 2.one

_Higl'lsu,ceP~oiIil1
_MOClIun.,uIoOl,OP~bi~(
Y

mo,,,,,,,...,

2.7 Results And Discussion

The landslide hazard Fig.A2.2 map shows that the areas where they have occurred are on
the highlands or escarpments with levels above 630 meters (about 2000 feet), above mean
sea level. They are more prominent in the Voltaian System where scarps have formed and
in areas where the Voltaian unconformably over-lies the Birimian. In most of the cases
they have occurred in places with little development. However, at times, farms are
destroyed, roads are blocked and commercial activities are affected.
Within the Voltaian System, and along the main landslide potential areas, there have been
reported rockfalls on the Kwawu scarp. The fall occurred in 1991, and the process seems
to be progressive ...
The map also shows that there have been landslide occurrences in the Togo Series (and
the Buem Formation) in the South-Eastern part of the country. This covers areas such as
Honuta, near Kpedze in the Volta Region. Here, quartzites and phyllites covered the road
and affected settlements sometime in 1994 (Ghartey, 1994)
The areas underlain by the Birimian System are the most developed and populated.
Landslide events have not been prominent so as to cause any havoc; a few slope failures
have, however, been reported in surface mines. Generally landslides in the Birimian
System have been minor of no socio-economic significance.
In recent times, landslides have been known to occur in the Brong Ahafo Region at
Adamsu, in the Central Region at Abandze close to Saltpond ; Nakpunduni in the
Northern Region and Pokuase in the Greater Accra Region. These have been confirmed
by the respective Regional NADMO Coordinators (Personal Communication). It was also
confirmed by the District NADMO Coordinator (Personal Communication) of the
Jornoro District in the Western Region that landslide which displaced 14 people and
affected two auto parts stores occurred at Elubo in the district. These potential landslide
areas, in various rock units, are not covered in this hazard map.
From the erosion hazard map of Ghana (Fig.A2.3) and the landslide hazard map it can be
said that most of the highly erosive areas coincide with the landslide prone areas on the

56

scarps. Excessive soil erosion on hill-slopes and hilltops may accelerate landslides. The
soil erosion hazard map can be of help in landslide hazard mapping in the country.
The hazard map as it is, does not show the severity and the frequency of occurrence of
slide, the rate of movement, etc. This could be informative and educative. The potential
landslide hazard map prepared by Muff, R; et al (2006) Fig.A2A for the Greater Accra
Metropolitan Area shows the high and low potential areas.
The landslide hazard map Fig.A2.2 should be used with care, bearing in mind the fact
that all the areas indicated may not have the same potential or severity level.

2.8 Conclusion
The landslide hazard map shows that landslides do occur in the hilltops and hill slopes
especially within the Voltaian escarpment where the major ones occur. Discontinuities,
heavy rainfall, tropical weathering, extensive soil erosion on hilltops/hill slopes and
extensive tree cover (vegetation) may all contribute to slope failure. Some of the
landslides have affected roads, farms, forests and a few settlements. There is no proper
documentation on past landslides, as well as those that have been occurring recently in
Ghana as of now.

2.9 Recommendations

There should be proper documentation of all landslides that have occurred and
that will occur in the country. A landslide catalog for the country should be
established.

The following should be noted in recording or mapping landslides: area extent,

frequency of occurrence, rate of movement, potential for life threat, short or
long term impact, scale of distribution, and recovery period.

The Regional and District NADMO coordinators are to be adequately

resourced to be able to locate the actual spots where landslides occur. Experts
should then be contacted to map out these areas professionally, in terms of the
geology, the structures, the type of slide, socio-economic impacts etc.

57

Landslide hazard maps should be revised every five years. This should be part
of a wider NADMO program for hazard mapping in the country.

The landslide hazard mapping should be part of a wider program

encompassing landslide vulnerability and risk assessment.

There should be effective collaboration between and amongst the relevant

Organisations/Institutions for proper documentation on landslides. These may
include the Ghana Geological Survey, the Building and Road Research
Institute(BRRI),The Universities, the Ghana Institution of Engineers, the
Ghana Institution of Geoscientists, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,(CSIR), the Ministry of Water
Resources, Works and Housing, the Town and Country Planning department,
the asse4mblies(District, Municipal, Metropolitan).

References
Anon- Natural Hazard Mapping And Vulnerability Assessment-Landslides
Carribean Disaster Mitigation Project for the USAID Office Of Foreign Disaster
Assistance And The Carribean Regional Program.
Anon- 2003 :Landslides Disaster Reduction through Landslide Hazard Zonation
Mapping.
National Building ResearchOrganisation
9911 Jawatta Road, Colombo 5.
Ayetey J. K. 1989: Landslides in Ghana and their economic significance. In Landslides:
Extent and Economic Significance. Edited By: Earl E. B. and Harrod, B. L.
Proceedings of the zs" International Geological Congress: Symposium On Landslides/
Washington D. C./ 17 July 1989.
A.A.BalkemaiRotterdamlBrookfieldI1989.
Ghartey, E. B.E. 1994:Report on Landslide Occurrence at Honuta, Volta Region.
Keller, E. A. 2000: Environmental Geology.
Prentice-Hall, Inc.
58

Kesse, G.O. 1085: Mineral and Rock Resources of

Ghana.
A.A. BALKEMAIROTTERDAMIBOSTON

Muff R, Okla R, Anokwa Y.M, Brakohiapa E,Brown R,Edifor D.R, Efa E,Abel Th,
Leydecker G; 2006: Geoinformation for Land Use Planning and Urban development in
the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area with Schematic Map of suggested Land Use
1: 100,000 and Geohazard Map 1: 100,000: Ghana- Germany Technical Cooperation
Project; Environmental and Engineering Geology for Urban Planning in the Accra-Tema
Area.
Ofori, H.; 1971: Soil Erosion Hazard Map of Ghana; CSIR, Kamasi, Ghana

59

Appendix A2.1 LANDSLIDE (2006) P ABI VILLAGE,

NEAR ASAMANKESE, WEST AKYEM
DISTRICT, EASTERN REGION

3.0

Coastal Erosion

3.1

Introduction

3.2

Occurrences and Causes of Coastal

Erosion in Ghana

3.2.1

Occurrences

3.2.2

Causes

3.3

Geology

3.4

Seismicity

3.5

Objectives and Methodology

3.6

Map Preparation

3.7

Results and Discussions

3.8

Conclusion

3.9

Recommendation
References
Appendix

3.0 Coastal Erosion

3.1 Introduction

The coastal zone of Ghana occupies less than 7% of the total land area but is home to
about 25% of the population. (Armah, A. K; Amlalo, D. S, 1997). This apparently
severe stress has resulted in problems such as fisheries degradation, poor sanitation,
wetland degradation, coastal erosion, industrial pollution, poor land use planning and
development. Under the Large Marine Ecosystem Project of the Gulf of Guinea (1997)
an action plan was developed to critically look at these problem areas. With regard to
coastal erosion, twenty five spots or communities were identified along the entire
Ghana coast line with various degrees of coastal erosion hazard; that is measured as
low, mild, moderate, high and very high.
The present work involved data gathering, field visits to all these identified hot-spots
and other spots, reappraisal of the situation and preparing a coastal erosion hazard map
or improving on the existing one. The idea was to examine the erosion problems with
regard to the causes, geology, human settlements and human activities. Causes of
erosion in Ghana have been known to be both natural and anthropogenic. Some of
these causes have been enumerated.
The geology seems to define the type of beaches there are in Ghana. Sandy beaches are
from Half- Assini to Axim on the west coast and from Prampram to Aflao on the east
coast and they constitute 70% of the entire coastline of Ghana (about 550km).
Cretaceous deposits fringe the coast to the west ofAxim, whilst Tertiary to Recent
deposits extend from east of Prampram to Aflao. The remaining 30% constitute the
rocky coastline with pockets of sandy beaches.
About thirty-four communities were visited. Unfortunately, not all of them appear on
the prepared hazard map. Communities such as Sanzule and Bakanta in the west coast ;
Akplotokor, and Adafianu in the east coast could not be properly located or georeferenced.

62

Evidently coastal erosion in Ghana is a persistent problem. In many instances the

communities are worried. However, the negative socio-economic consequences, the level
of severity of the problem and the attempts either made or being made for its mitigation
on community by community basis vary considerably. Some of these have been
discussed in the report.
The hazard map, and for that matter the report, has been prepared in a way as to be of
great help in the overall management of the coastal beaches.

3.2 Occurrences and Causes of Coastal Erosion in Ghana.

3.2.1 Occurrences
Many places or spots along the beaches of Ghana experience some degree of coastal
erosion at various times. In all, over twenty five spots have been located with varying
degrees of coastal erosion. These include, from the west to the east coast, Half-Asini,
Bakanta, Axim, Princess Town, Aketekyi, Dixcove, Adjua, Shama, Komenda, Elmina,
Senya Bereku, Langma, Old Ningo, Anyamame, Azizanya, Dzita, Keta, Horvi, Brekusu,
Adina, Adafianu, Hevienu and Aflao. Some of these places are shown on the hazard
map(Fig A3.2). Many of the areas have been known to be experiencing serious erosion
problems for a long time. For example the Keta areas have been known to experience
severe sea erosion over a century ago. Several square kilometers of landed property is
estimated to have been taken over by the sea in Keta. Fortunately, suitable defence walls
with some groins have been constructed recently as a remedial action. Other places such
as Teshie, Nungua, La, Elmina, have either been protected or are being protected. Some
of the adequately protected areas such as Keta can cause erosion problems to occur in the
adjoining communities; in this case Horvi to Brekusu.

63

3.2.2 Causes

Causes of coastal erosion for some of the identified spots have been given in appendix
C3 .1. However the general causes of coastal erosion in Ghana which are both natural
and anthropogenic (man made) have been summarized as below.

Natural Causes:

These include:

Global sea level rise and tidal waves

Geology: Rock type, faulting and possible subsidence. For instance,

Akpati(1978) reports that the Keta basin is a graben that is modified by
basement faulting.

Severe storm surges which occur normally during the beginning and end of the
dry season

Anthropogenic Causes:

Poor siting and design of maritime structures

Harbour construction: an example is the erosion caused at Tema New Town as

a result of end - effects of the Tema breakwaters

Abandoned ships: abandoned ships on the leeward side of the Tema Harbour to
Prampram serve as barriers to the transport of sediments as well as reflect
incident waves thereby causing erosion.

Construction of the Volta dam could affect sediment budget in the Ada area.

Mining of sand and pebbles, etc., could accelerate rate of erosion

Construction of sea defence structures on community by community basis could

increase erosion in adjacent areas. An example is the recently constructed Keta
sea defence wall and the groins which has severely increased erosion from
Horvi to Brekusu on the east of Keta.

64

3.3 Geology
According to (Kesse, G. 0, 1985), FigA3.1, Ghana falls neatly within the Precambrian
Guinean Shield of West Africa. The country is divided into five main geological
provinces; namely:

The shield area (or western unit);

The south eastern unit which belongs to the Precambrian Mobile Belt;

The central unit mainly of the sediments of the Voltaian System;

The coastal basins and

The Tertiary to Recent deposits

The shield area (western unit) consists of Birimian metasedimentary (volcaniclastics,

greywacke and argillite); Birimian metavolcanics (basaltic flows, volcaniclastics and sub
volcanic rocks);the Tarkwaian Group(a slightly younger, unconformable unit of
sandstones and conglomerates which overlies the Birimian volcanic rocks. This group
does not exist at the coast); belt granitoids and basin granitoids which intrude
respectively the Birimian metavolcanics and metasediments ..

South eastern unit(Precambrian Mobile Belt) is made up of The Togo series

( quartzites, sandstones, phyllites) The Buem Formation ( mafic volcanics, shale, jasper
and sandstones. The Buem Formation does not exist at the coast.). The Dahomeyan
System (Reactivated Birimian rocks; acid and basic gneisses, schists and migmatite).

The Central Unit has The Voltaian System (sandstones, mudstone and shale; basal
sandstone). These rocks are generally undeformed and they do not occur at the coast.

The Coastal Basins: They are sedimentary basins that occur along the entire coast of
Ghana from the extreme east to extreme west coast, they include the following:

The Keta Basin: Made up of sand, gravel, siltstones shales and clays with layers
of fosciliferous limestone

The Accraian Series: They are Devonian Sedimentary rocks which occur in
several places around Accra and are made up of upper sandstone and shale
formation, middle shale formation and lower sandstones with a basal grit.
65

The Amisian Formation: This outcrops at a number of places along the coast
near the mouth of River Amisa between Saltpond and Winneba and are made up
of a series of interbedded, soft, pebbly grits, conglomerates, micaceous
sandstones, arkose and greenish grey clay.

The Sekodian Series: Consists mainly of sandstones and shales with

conglomerates, pebble beds, grits and mud stone resting with major unconformity
on a complex of granites, gneisses and schists. They occur in several disconnected
outcrops along the coast between Cape Coast and the mouth of the Butre river
near Dixcove.

The Appolonian (Tano Basin) Formation: It is made up of Cretaceous - Eocene

marine sedimentary rocks which occur at the southwest comer of Ghana and
consists of alternating sands, clays and limestone.

The Tertiary to Recent deposits: These deposits consist of river, marine, and lacustrine
gravels, sands and clays, laterite, bauxite and surface ironstone.

66

FigA3.1 Map of Ghana showing the Shield Area, The Mobile Belt, The Voltaian
Platform, The Coastal Basins, and Tertiary to Recent Deposits (After Kesse, 1985)

C
oast
al
basi
n,
Terti
ary
to
rece
nt
dep
osits
_
Mobi
le
beltSout
h
east
ern
unit
S
h
i
e
l
d
a
r
e
a
I
J
U
e
s
t
e
m
u
n
i
t
_
Volt
aian
platt
orm
Cent
ral
un'

so Kilo fmtl ra

1985)

W+E
N

Regional capital shp

DL'ke
GEOLOGY

3.4 Seismicity
From the seismic hazard map, and the isoseismal maps, it is clear that the whole coastal
zone of Ghana is prone to earthquakes. The epicentral location map (fig A1.5), shows
that some earthquake epicenters are close to the shoreline. Besides, records from
historical earthquakes have shown that sand vents and fissures developed along beaches
and sandbars during seismic activities. (Muff, R; et al 2006; Junner, (1941). The beaches
or the shoreline could be vulnerable to earthquakes.

3.5 Objectives And Methodology]

Objective
The main objective of the project is to prepare a hazard map for coastal erosion and
identify the most potentially vulnerable and disaster risk areas.

Methodology
The method used is serialized as
follows:
Gather information
(a). From literature, personal communications on locations or spots, extent of
damage, and coastal geology.
(b). Working visits to some selected areas including those identified from (a) above.
Gather as much information as possible from the communities.

Compilation and analysis of data; production of coastal erosion hazard map,

showing specific areas and their degree of severity. Working visits were made to
almost 34 spots along the coast from Half Assini on the west coast to Aflao on the
east coast. In most cases, interactions were made with the local communities
(mostly the fishermen and the opinion leaders) for information; they were
invariably helpful.

68

3.6 Map Preparation

Some of the spots visited including those already identified (Armah, A. K; Amlalo, D.
S;
1998) were indicated on a digitized map of southern Ghana showing some regions and
all
the districts along the coast. The spots were classified in terms of severity of coastal
erosion as low, low to moderate, moderate, high and very high.

69

Fig A3.2 Coastal Erosion

Hazard Map
o
r-.

GHANA COASTAL EROSION - HAZARD MAP

0

r:

.,

/\~;rl21

nti

Eastern
/

Volta

1.

;.~e,pl'er A~
/
\j ~~""
Arlo

Central

Jc m o tc

BLHU8U

KETA
HORl,lt
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/
~

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st

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Accra,

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Erosion Severity
') . "f !.___
LOW
" LOW TO MODERATE
+ MODERATE
HIGH

Streach

VERY HIGH

- .%1,.Volta river
D

OBIT')

200 Kilometers

100
.JIlIr("J.

."""'_.

TOl'JN

o,,0""'OB' ~:-.;

,,00<

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~.

"""NO />--.-'''-.._./~ r"'X8H,~O~'N",N

,n,Xv."
~r'
"NC,"'~
.,.,......"JU,AU'N'll.
,u",

I~'.' I"

along the Ghanaian/.J...

Coast
1998:
"'NY' B' e ru LANO.' ('0 .
Min of Environment Science & Tech.

-: I

BO',. co
'1'8HE
' ? .""".,,;"
Modified J
after Coastal Erosion
Points

' ,,,
.~

/)e

Ab,raAM l\tI't;o;In3'\~)

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.;oj

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".'N'"

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DISTRICTS
REGIONS

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ELMlN'

Protection Effe ctive

Protection nom ore effective

3.7 Results and Discussion

The coastal erosion hazard map shows the spots that are being affected by coastal erosion
and the relative severity. Generally, the severity is more to the east coast from Ningo to
Aflao than to the west coast.
The reasons are varied but typical to specific segments and may include:

The geology of the area, (e.g. Ningo where the coastline is made of recent, loose
and unconsolidated sediments)

Removal of the hydraulic groyne effect and littoral current that wash away loose
sands (e.g. Ada Foah)

Combination of wave action and geology (e.g. Keta).

Some of these cases have been given in appendixC3.1

However there are areas on the west coast such as Shama, Axim and Dixcove which are
of moderate to high in severity.
In some of the beaches, for example Axim, Dixcove, Langma (Kokrobite), human
habitats are very close to the shore line and this makes the coastal erosion situation more
serious. At some places (e.g. Kokrobite), individuals are,out of desperation, using boulder
rocks as defence structures to protect their individual properties; this is not properly done
apparently because of the high cost involved.
In areas such as Wekumagbe to Azizanya, and Horvi to Brekusu land is being lost on
daily basis due to severity of the coastal erosion. The communities have to be resettled
but not unmindful of their cultural beliefs.
The old sea defence wall at Axim and some groins in places such as Princess Town,
Aketekyi, Dzita, Akplotokor are no more effective and have to be rebuilt. They have been
made ineffective either by the sea or through human activity or both.
High tides in places such as Komenda, Shama and Senya Breku seriously impede fishing
activities. The fishermen cannot land; at times fishing boats are seriously damaged and
some of the people get fatally wounded. The communities suggest the construction of
wharf for safe landing to promote their fishing activities. In the case of Komenda, they
have already petitioned the government through the district assembly. Since the economic
mainstay of the people is fishing, they are desperate for remedial measures.
71

In rocky beach areas such as Dixcove, Adjua, Elmina, Senya Breku, Tantum (Otuam) and
others, the heights of the waves can increase due to bending or refraction of the
wavefront. As the wave height increases, the wave energy (this is approximately
proportional to the square of the wave height) expenditure at the shoreline also increases.
This obviously increases the effect of erosion in the areas.
The Keta sea defence wall and the groins have been recently constructed. These have
virtually curtailed the hitherto very high coastal erosion which for years have taken over
about 2 - 5 km of land (built environment).Unfortunately since the completion of the
Keta sea defence, the community from Horvi to Brekusu immediately after Keta along
the east coast has been experiencing unprecedented high rate of erosion. It is also on
record that sea erosion being experienced at Prampram is as a result of the "end effects"
of the breakwaters of the Tema Harbour. These examples suggest that the practice
whereby the beach is protected or developed on community by community basis may not
be the best since it could affect the sediment budget of the adjoining beaches or areas.
Erosion normally occurs whenever more sediment is transported out of a particular area
(or littoral cell) than is delivered to that site.
Unfortunately, the causes of coastal erosion in Ghana, the sediment budget, the wave
climate, the coastal geology and seismotectonics of the beaches and the coast are not very
well researched into. These have to be known in details for proper remedial actions and
general land use planning and development to be put in place.
It may therefore be better to consider, the coastal erosion problem holistically. That
is, to consider at a time the concepts of:

Littoral cell (a segment of coastline that includes an entire cycle of sediment

delivery to the coast)

The beach budget of sediment (sediment sources and losses to beach

environment) and

The wave climate (is a statistical characterization on an annual basis of wave

height, period and direction for the purpose of calculating wave energy at a
particular site).

72

This requires systematic studies (research) of the coast including the geology, sediment
deposition, wave action and global sea level rise. The problems can then be understood
better and appropriate and lasting measures taken.
Apart from building sea defences, damages from coastal erosion can be prevented by
showing setback distances which must be evaluated on a case by case basis for each
object of development. It is anticipated that this map will serve as a guide for developers
and planners; and also as a first step to more coordinated studies in coastal erosion in
Ghana.
In almost all the coastal communities the common belief is that the high tides or strong
destructive waves come only when the sea is disturbed; that is when somebody dies in
the
sea. This belief seriously affects their understanding of the problem and their regard for
defence structures.

3.8 Conclusion
Coastal erosion in Ghana is common along the entire shoreline of Ghana and it can be
very severe at some places especially at the east coast. Unfortunately, measures taken to
address these issues are done in piecemeal or on community by community basis. Since
this can affect the sediment budget of adjoining areas and thereby increase coastal
erosion, it is better to consider a holistic approach where the beaches are divided into
littoral cells. The problem in some of the communities such as Axim, Azizanya and
Brekusu need immediate attention. However, systematic study in the field of coastal
erosion is needed for proper evaluation and remedial actions.

3.9 Recommendations

A comprehensive study of the coast should be carried out and an internationally

acceptable project proposal should be prepared to solicit for funds. NADMO in
conjunction with other stakeholder agencies should take this up.

73

Spots such as Axim, Azizanya and Brekusu should be critically examined,

evaluated and remedial action taken on time. Areas such us Komenda and Senya
Breku where wave action impedes fishing activities should be conceded as
special cases.

Holistic approach to the coastal erosion problem should be adopted and

encouraged. The entire coastline of Ghana should be divided into littoral cells or
segments for a better understanding of the problems and solutions.

A historic database I record on the coast should be built.

Since it is not practical for public funds to be spent to restore or protect

uninhabited beaches, individuals or developers should be discouraged by
legislation from building along such hazardous beaches. Where it becomes
necessary setback distances should be set.

The Assemblies (District, Municipal, and Metropolitan) should ensure, by

enforceable legislation that human activities such as sand mining are curtailed.

The communities should be educated on the scientific reasons why there are tidal
waves, coastal erosion and the remedial measures that are to be taken.

References:
Akapti, B.N.; 1978: Geologic structure and evolution of the Keta basin, Ghana, West
Africa. Geological Society Of America Bulletin, v 89 p 124-132.
Armah, A.K.; and Amlalo D.S.; 1997: report of the National Integrated Coastal Areas
Zone Ministry Management in Ghana. Large Marine Ecosystem Project of the Gulf of
Guinea. Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
Armah, A.K.; and Amlalo D.S.; 1998: Coastal Zone Profile of Ghana. Gulf of Guinea
Large Marine Ecosystem Project. .Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology
Evans, S. M., et al. 1996: The Coastal Zone of West Africa: Problems and
Management. Proceedings of an International Seminar in Accra organised by the
Universities of Ghana and Newcastle, U.K.
Keller, E. A.; 2000: Environmental Geology 8th Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper
Saddle River. N.J.

74

Kesse, G. 0; 1985: The Rock And Mineral Resources Of Ghana.

A.A BALKEMAJROTTERDAMIBOSTON

Muff,R. et a12006: Geoinformation for Land Use Planning, and Urban Development in
Greater Accra Metropolitan Area with Schematic Map of suggested Land
Usel : 1 00,000. Ghana-Gerrnany Technical Cooperation Project. Environmental and
Engineering Geology for Urban Planning in the Accra- Tema Area.

Appendix A3.1 Some Coastal erosion hotpots, their locations, type of

erosion/problem(s)
SECTION

OF

COASTLINE

LOCATION

TYPE OF EROSIONIPROBLEM

LONG.

LAT.

2 16' W

4 53' N

A. Western Region
1. Axim

1.

The sea has penetrated the rocky coast

and formed a

cove in the softer material

in the centre of the Axim town.

2.

Prnceess- Town &

2 8' W

4 48' N

2.

Aketechi

This stretch of coast lie in the leeward

side
point.

of the

promontory

of Mutrakni

It is suffering from the refractive

action of waves from west.

3. Dixcove

1 56' W

4 47' N

3.

The sea has prnetrated the rocky coast and

formed a cove in the Dixcove town.

75

4. Adjua

1 48' W

4 52' N4.

. 4. The sandy beaches are being eroded by the

headland.

4 52' N

5. Amanful Kuma

5a. The sandy beaches are being eroded by

the headland
5b. The erosion problem are been heightened
by the winning of sand on commercial
basis on the beaches

6. Funko

1 47' W

4 52' N

6. The sandy beaches are being eroded by

heavy

waves

problem

reaching

has

wmmng

been

of

this

coast.

The

by

the

beaches

for

exacerbated

sand

on

the

building purposes
7. Nkotonopo &
Essaman

1 42' W 4 59' N

7. This coastline lies on the leeward side of

the

Takoradi

suffering

harbour

and

as

from

the

'end

breakwaters

of

the

harbour.

has

been

worsened

sand

and

shingle

by
on

effect'

result
of

The

the

the

problem

winning

beaches

for

of

building

purposes.
8. Essipong

1 42' W

4 59' N

8. This beach used to be a very wide sandy

one

until

groyne

recently

effect'

when

produced

Anankwa

as

stopped.

This

beach

combined

effects

the

wmnmg

it

and

by

enters

the

the
the

the

has
of
end

'hydraulic
River

sea

was

suffered

from

commercial
effects

sand

of

the

canoes

of

breakwaters of Sekondi Naval Harbour.

9. Shama

1 38' W 5 l' N

9.

Sea erosion has exposed beach rock,

posing

landing

problems

to

local fishermen.

10. Komenda

10. Erosion
5 3' N

due

to

of

beaches
the

and

refractive

cliff
action

of

Komenda
of

waves

caused

by

the

headland

immediately

on

the west of the Town.

TYPE OF EROSIONIPROBLEM
LOCATION
SECTION

OF
LONG.

LAT.

COASTLINE
B. Central Region
11. Elmina

54' N

11. There is an acute erosion problem

between

the

problem

is

which

the

also
to

an

Castle
caused

by

Castle

is

observed

shoaling

at

Harbour.

the

complex

imposed

on

by

building

the
the

Motel.

The

headland

on

located.

erosion

the

Fishing

the

and

problem

mouth

This

There

of

may

the
be

the

due
Elmina

due

hydronamic

to

changes

entrance

to

of

breakwater.

the

is

the

lagoon
Sea

defence measures are in progress.

12. Otuam (Tantum)

12. The seas has eroded the landing beach

0 48' W

5 13' N

of this

13.

13. Senya Bereku

0 30' W 5 22' N

The

sea

erosion

has

rendered

one

of

the

expanse

of

landing

C. Gt. Accra Region

14.
.Bortiano
Kokrobite

&
5 30 N

13. This
sandy

coastline

had

beaches,

palm,

and

it

These

sands

got

the

hydraulic

wide

strewn
IS

ideal

accreted

groyne

with
for
as

action

a
of

coconut
recreation.
result
the

of
fast

currents

of

debauches
With

Densu

immediate

the

building

process
the

the

refractive

headland,

east

of

stopped

Dam,

this

currents

the

which

Bortianor.

Weija

littoral
of

which

of

the

nd

action

on

River

waves

Ama

and

by

Hotel

the
sands,

took over and wiped out the sands.

15. This

15 . Jamestown

0 13' W

5 33 N

beach

erOSIOn

came

after

Korle

Lagoon

groyne

filed

contain

the

has

now

sands

threat

of

of

the

revetment

been

erosion.

proved

accreted

serious

construction

outfall.

the

have

under

put

in

and

place

to

These

so

effective

are

threatening

measures
that,

the

to

block

the mouth of the lagoon.

16. The
16.
Rivera
(Mensah gunea

Beach

0 10' W 5 33 N

coastline

Guinea

to

threat

of

the

by

which

refracts

to

is

the

from

Castle
This

the

southwards,

beaches.

Osu

erosion.

caused

waves

extending
is

under

problem

headland

in

reinforcing

the

The

other

winning

of

clay

of

and

waves
unaffected

waves

cause

partly

Jamestown

south-westerly

heavier

serious

is

the

produce

Mensah

on

the
rock

the

problem
on

these

beaches.

17. This
17. Labadi

0 10' W 5 33 N

wide

sandy

beach

has

been

under

erosion for the past 40 years. This beach had

been built as a result of the hydraulic groyne
effect

product

by

the

Kpeshie

lagoon.

After

this effect vanished as a result of the blocking

of the mouth of the Kpeshie lagoon by a sand

bar, the erosion problem set in. This coast has
now

been

successfully

protected

with

gabion revetment.

18.
18. Teshie (Acapulco
beach)

0 8' W 5 35 N

The

beach
This

coastline

resort

has

problem

has

rock,

shingle

beaches.

in

of

erosion

of

suffered
been

and

With

refraction

front

severe

caused

sand

sea

by

from

Acapulco
erosion.

extraction
the

exposure

of

seas

waves

worsened

This

is

has

now

of

adjacent

the

the

problem.

the

outcrops,

being

the

protected

with a rubble mound revetment.

19.
19. Nungua (Regional

The

stretch

Regional

0 8'W 5 35'N

of

land

has

coastline

now

serious

erosion.

which

used

to

been

reduced

to

wmners

on

this

problem

has

successfully

use

of

of

of

stretch

promontory

cove

sand

by

and

beach.

series

IS

This

be

activities

the

front

Academy

reckless

by

Maritime

undergoing

Maritime Academy

of

the
stone

The

erosion

been

contained

of

groynes

from

the

and

gab ion revetment.

20.

The

Maritime
20.Tema(Sakumono)

00 5 35'N

stretch

coastline

Academy

to

Regional

the

Tema

distinct

problem

Harbour is also under serious erosion.

This

coastline

has

two

areas.
They are:
1. The
Regional

stretch

of

Maritime

level crossing (mile 14)

beach
Academy

from

the

to

the

2. The

stretch

of

beach

from

the

Tema

Beach Club to the Harbour

The

cause

are

the

probably

of

erosion

headlands
the

bathymetry.

the

case

Beach
as

powerful
serious

coastline

exposed

to

be

sand

winners

exposure

are

the

rocky

at

Tema

of

waves
reflect

to

beach

the

more

to
east

cause
of

accretion
A

close

that
this

outcrops

the

the
should

study

of

activities

of

caused

the

beach
and

in

well

produce

where

on

as

waves

the

reveals

bottom

(2)

expected.

problem

sea

erosion

destructive

Harbour

and

of

rocks

on

(l)

cause

waves

erosion

naturally

the

sea

These

and

Tema

the

The

refract

coastline
Nungua

of

of

Club.

the

at

geology

and

outcrops

in

set

the

stage

for the erosion of the beach.

Prapram which is only 16 km from Tema is experiencing

erosion which is suspected to be due to the 'end effects' of

21. Prapram

the

breakwaters

Tema

Harbour.

of

Beach

the

rock

has

been

exposed as a result of this erosion causing landing problems

to

the

canoe

fishermen.

22. Ningo

22. The stretch of the coastline between

0 12'E S04S'N

Ningo

and

senous

coastal

geology
made

of

stretch

if

has

been

IS

erOSIOn

this

unconsolidated
that

Lolonya

by

the

coastline
loose

material.
off

SInce
of

recent,

set

undergoing

is
and

The

erosion

the

breakwaters

of

Tema

without

Harbour

is

any

resistance

23.The

Ada-Foah

erosion

known

in

the

country.

at

being
in

continued

the

easterly

direction

S048'N

23. Ada-Foah

193

Os,

accelerated

In

moment

of

of

flow

sand

bar.

away

the

the

of

the

well

started

in

the

slow

rate

and

1970s.

At

the

erosion

is

of

erosion

removal
the

very

rate

This

one
It

the

the

4m/yr.

is

is

caused

hydraulic

of

the

Littoral

by

the

groyne

Volta
currents

loose

about

sandy

effect

River

by

then

washed

materials

which

form the beaches.

D. Volta Region

.24
24. Dzita
0 47'E SO 4S'N

Dzita is a fishing town IS km from the

mouth

of

the

coastline

Volta.

between

The

Atiteti

stretch
and

of

Srogboe

suffers from the end effect of the hydraulic groyne during

the periods when the Volta flowed freely into the sea. As a
result

of

the

erosion

of

this

coastline the coastal road from Keta to Anyanui used to be

cut

several places. Remedial measures have been

III

well concluded with defense structures in place.

25.
25. Keta

0 59'E

5 55'N

Keta

spots
as

is

on
far

problem

one

the
back

is

not

well

Ghanaian
as
only

1907

documented

erosion

coastline.

Records

show

erosion

but

that
also

the
of

some
is

natural
located

frequently.

on

makes

it

waves

that

waves

breaking

to

too

come

Woe.

sand

from

on

the

Cape

by

the

direction

to

interact

waves

cape

with

that

deep

beaches

appear

Paul,

near

waves

are

the
the

which

sea

present,

St.

in

geology

At

-westerly

refracted

in-coming

the

beaches.
these

town

whose

to

on

south

Keta

bar

vulnerable

break

The

The

southerly
unaffected

would

have

arrived there without refraction. These energy laden waves

are

responsible

for

the

devastating coastal phenomenon

along this coast.

characteristic

and

Appendix A3.2
AXIM :BROKEN SEA DEFENCE WALL

AXIM :BROKEN SEA DEFENCE WALL

DESTROYED BUILDING AT DIXCOVE

DESTROYED BUILDING AT LANGMA

(KOKROBITE)

WEKUMAGBE: NEAR ADA

ADA: NEAR ADA DISTRICT ASSEMBLY OFFICES

AKPLOTOKOR NEAR DZITA:

PROTECTION GROINS NOW IN THE SEAJDESTROYED
84

SECTIONB
HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL

85

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARD MAPPING IN GHANA

1.0 Introduction
Ghana suffers from the under listed hydrometeorological (hydromet) hazards.
1.

Floods

2.

Thunderstorms/Windstorms

3.

Dam Failures

4.

Tidal Waves

5.

Drought

6.

Desrtification

Among these hazards, floods have proved the most extensive and destructive.
Floods occur frequently due to various factors. River floods are mostly as a result
of rainfall during rainy seasons.

Urban floods on the other hand occur due to a combination of factors, most of
which are man-made, e.g. building in flood basins, choking drain with solid
materials. Large areas of concrete surfaces in the urban areas reduce percolation
and increase run off.

1.1.0 Floods

Floods are the most horrendous of natural disasters in terms of size,

devastation and number of lives lost. Floods resulting from the Tsunami
of South East Asia late 2004 and from Hurricane Katrina of New Orleans,
USA of 2005 are typical examples of the enormity and severity of impact
of floods.

Flood disasters put national economies under severe pressure, especially in

the destruction of infrastructure like health facilities, schools and industrial
complexes.
86

In developing countries scarce vital resources are diverted from other

equally important development needs to rescue and relief operations
which may set back their development by as long as a decade.

The current thinking is that with Global Warming, it is possible that the
occurrence of floods will become a phenomenon to contend with more
frequently.

Floods as natural event need not be seen as hazards only. They are part of
a natural hydrological cycle and do have some beneficial effects,
providing much needed water resources for use during non flood periods.
Floods are regarded as natural cleansing mechanisms of the environment.

In developing countries with primarily agricultural economies, flood

plains contribute substantially to food production. Proper flood plains
management could take advantage of floods for sustainable development.

They become hazards only when there is improper development in the

flood plains. Human tendency naturally is to move into the flood basins
for their existence like settlements for their farming activities as these
basins become very fertile.

For lack of time and inadequate financial resources, the project team
identified floods, both river and urban, as the obvious hazard to tackle in
the initial stage.

87

1.1.1 Floods in Ghana

Records show that flood disasters suffered in Ghana have resulted from
abnormally heavy rainfalls which cause rivers to overflow their banks thus
flooding the flood plains. Urban floods also occur in Ghana as a result of human
activities such as settlements in water courses, chocking of drains with solid waste
and concreting of large areas around settlements.

Of late, the flood incidences in Ghana have shown a certain amount of cyclicity of
9 - 10 years, however this is only statistical.

Project Objectives
The objectives of this report are to prepare:
(i)

Hazard Maps for flood prone areas in Ghana

(ii)

Vulnerability Maps for the flooded communities in these areas

(iii)

Help NADMO prepare Disaster Zonation Maps for Long Term

National Risk Reduction.

2.0

Methodology
(i)

With Fig. B.l as a guide the hydromet team visited as many river basins as
possible in the country to identify the flood prone areas.

(ii)

Relevant data were also collected from two main sources.

a)

Interviews and discussion with opinion leaders III some of the

identified areas.

b)

NADMO officials at Regional, District and Zonal levels provided

both verbal information and literature.

(iii)

Some flood prone areas in Accra Metropolitan Area were visited for
information on urban floods.

88

FigB1

Flood Hazard Map Of Ghana

GHANA
FLOOD HAZARD MAP

FLOOD
PRONE
RIVERS
---ROADS

DREGIONS
TOWNS

E=C:::EE='t= __ 1j0Ccc0

::::::::::3150 Kilometers

Source: Georeference Database For All African Countries: 1995

89

3.0

Results and Discussion

3.1

Upper West Region

The Black Volta serves as the natural border between Ghana and La Cote
D'Ivoire on the southern part and Burkina Faso on the northern part. The source
is in the Burkina Faso.

Almost all the flood prone areas in the region lie on the Black Volta (Fig. B2).
Some of the communities visited are:

Lawra

Dikpe

Takpo

Weinchau - The Hyppo Sanctuary

These communities are all farmers. Their farms get flooded and their houses
which are mostly built with mud or laterite are washed away.

In some areas, there is sufficient early warning for the inhabitants to move up hill
with their livestock to avoid any loss of their animals. Their farms and settlements
in the water ways are washed away.

90

FigB2

Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions

Legend

Flood Prone Areas

Flood Prone Areas Visited

Source: Georeference Database For All African Countries: 1995

91

3.2

Upper East Region

This Region was visited at the time when the recent floods in September 2007
were at their peak. All the rivers, especially the White Volta, were in floods.

The communities listed below lying between the Red Volta to the west and the
White Volta were flooded (Fig. B2)

Kupeliga

Mognori

Tonga

Sapeliga
Kunbugu
Teshie
Zebilla

Kusanamba
Tinonde
Zongoyivi

The above communities are farmers whose farms and some of their settlements
get destroyed in floods.

Pawlugu
The team's visit coincided with the floods oflate September 2007. The Northern
Star Tomato Factory located very close to the White Volta River was threatened.
Management was advised by the team on remedial measures to take to save the
factory from being completely inundated by the flood waters.

To the east of the White Volta in the Bawku District are these communities which
are also prone to floods;

Kulungugu

Mognori

92

Bangi

Yalugu
Bazua
Azum Sapeliga
Sakpari
Nafloliga

These communities, like those on the west of the White Volta, are all farmers.
Their farms get washed away and in some cases part of their settlements are also
affected.

The flooding situation on the White Volta could become aggravated by the
spillage from the Bagri Dam in the Burkina Faso which lies upstream on the
White Volta.

The mainstay of these communities is farming. The socio-economic lives of the

communities become adversely affected as the floods normally wash away their
farms.

One other group which is seriously affected by the floods is the itinerant
fishermen who form small colonies along all the river channels of the three
northern regions. Their houses which are normally built with thatch are always
destroyed by the floods.

A peculiar situation in this region exists around Sandema which does not lie in a
river basin but in a valley. It experiences flush floods whenever there is moderate
to heavy rainfall.

93

Kulpawn River
A major tributary to the White Volta is the Kulpawn River which flows from the
Upper West and joins it in Northern Region. The road network could not allow
for pursuit.

3.3

Northern Region

3.3.1

The main basin (White Volta) enters the region at Nayeri having run along the
boundary between the Upper East and the Northern Regions (Fig B.2). The
following communities were identified in the White Volta basin as flood prone .
:. Kpesenkpe
.:. Nawuni (Tamale Water Works Intake)
.:. Daboya (A large market town)
.:. Lingbisi
.:. Yapei (A port on the Volta Lake)
These areas are subject to flooding as was evidenced during the September 2007
floods; and especially at Nawuni where the inhabitant had to be evacuated from
the intake area on the White Volta.

3.3.2 The Oti Basin

Besides the White Volta basin in the Northern Region is the Oti basin. The Oti
river has its source from the Republic of Togo. It enters Ghana along the border
at Saboba. The affected communities along the Oti basin in the region include the
following:
,. Saboba

'* Demon
'* Kpaliba - This is at the confluence of the Oti river and the Manyor river.
'* Kuntali
'* SabariNo.1
Sabari No.2

94

These communities, apart from Saboba, are mainly itinerant fisherman whose settlements
are virtually on the river banks. As a result of their locations, their settlements get
flooded when the river bursts its banks. The socio-economic activities of these people
are seriously disrupted.
The flood prone areas within the river Oti basin are shown in Fig B2a.

95


Fig B2a

Flood Prone Areas of the River Oti (Saboba to Sabari)

Ghana - Flood prone areas of the river Oti (Sabari to Saboba)

Cf20'

TOGO
Cf20'

~~~~1====31====~====~1====~1

10

15

20 Kilometers

-Rivecra

settle menta
Road netw 0 rh

Flood pro",

ne tr cte

96

3.4

Volta Region
The following four basins were visited in the region. These are the Oti River
basin to the north, Kpasa river basin, the Volta Lake basin and the Todzie river
basin to the extreme south.

3.4.1 The Oti River Basin

This basin enters the region from the northern region at Damanko in the Nkwanta
District (Fig. B3).

Settlements located in the river basin include the following:

~

MolaNo.1

Mola No.2

Jobosu

Obonja

Sibi Bator No.1

Sibi Bator No.2

Mama Akura

Kabonwule

Kabiti

Periodically, these communities do get flooded, especially Mola No.1 and No.2.
These are large farming communities whose farms are seriously affected by
floods. There are also itinerant fishermen whose settlements are seriously
affected.

97

3.4.2 Kpasa River Basin

A relatively smaller river Kpasa also floods its banks during the rains affecting
the following communities.
y"

Jombo

y"

Azua

y"

Kpasa

y"

Kofi Kura

These areas are on higher grounds and therefore less vulnerable than the
communities along the Oti basin.

3.4.3 The Volta Lake Basin

The Volta Lake forms a substantial part of the Volta region. Communities which
get flooded during heavy rains include the following:

Tepa Amanya
Tepa Abotoase
Kwami Krom
Kpando Tokor

Avenue
Wusuta
Jemeni
Galo Sola

Kpenu
Agotoe
Bemigo
Tunu
Anyanui
Atiteti

Avegagorme
98

The villages from Tepa Amanga to Jemeni lie on the eastern bank and to the north
of the lake whilst the villages between Galo Sola and A vegagorme lie on the
eastern bank but to the south.

The communities to the north mentioned above, are farmers and some of these
farms get flooded during the rainy season. Those to the south are mostly
fishermen but have small holding farms which are also flooded but the losses
incurred are less than those in the north. These communities in the south do not
also get seriously flooded as those in the north because of regulated flow of water
from the Akosombo and Kpong hydro Dams.

3.4.4 The Todzie River Basin

River Todzie with its source around Kpalime flow through Kpetoe and with its
tributaries, together with other smaller streams, discharge into the A vu and Keta
Lagoons forming a large marshy area. Communities around this area are prone to
floods and include the following:
Dabala

Adutor
Adzato
Nyikutor

Blemazado
Wuti
Torve

Agodome
Govinu

The occupation of the people in this marshy area is both fishing and farming.
Even though their farms, mostly sugar cane, and fishing industry are not
negatively affected, their settlements are usually destroyed by floods.

99

Fig B3 Flood Prone Areas in Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern Regions Legend

Flood Prone Areas

Flood Prone Areas Visited

Source: Georeference Database For All African Countries: 1995

100

3.5 Eastern Region

3.5.1 In the Eastern Region, apart from the area along the Volta Lake, the most affected
flood area is Nsawam in the Densu basin. Some settlements close by the river get
affected during floods (Fig B.3).

The commercial activities of Nsawam town are very seriously disrupted during
this period.

3.5.2 Birim River Basin

Other areas the team visited were along the Birim basin and the flood prone area
includes:

Abodom

Kade

Wenkyi

However, the flooding situation in these areas is relatively lower than that of
Nsawam mentioned above.

101

3.6 Central Region

There are in the region, the Ayensu, Nakwa, Arnisa and Kakum river basins
besides the Pra River basin which is considered the most active during floods (Fig
BA). The rest are rather minor and ofless significance.

3.6.1 Pra River Basin

The communities identified along the Pra river are the following, (Fig. B4)

Twifo Breman
Twifo Praso
Brefoyedura
Enyinabirimu
Abetwusu
Sekyere Heman
Daboase
Beposo
ShamaKedzi

These communities are mostly cocoa farmers. Their farms get affected during
floods. Some towns like Twifo Praso are also commercial centres. These
activities are disrupted. Their settlements in some cases are also affected.

At Shama Kedzi, a village at the estuary of the Pra River, a fishing community
with serious flooding problem.has refused the government intervention for them
to be resettled in safe area due to the cultural beliefs and practices.

102


Fig B4 Flood Prone Areas in the Central, Western, Ashanti and Western Regions
N

Legend

Flood Prone Areas

Source: Georeference Database For All African Countries: 1995

103

3.7 Western Region

Two major basins were identified in the Western Region namely the Ankobra and
the Tano River basins (Fig BA).

3.7.1 Ankobra River Basin

On the Ankobra river, the affected communities include:

Apatan

Asanta

Ashien

Enyinase

These people depend mostly on their coconut plantations and farms. Their
settlements which are of thatch are mostly flooded. The Asanta village at the
estuary is awaiting resettlement from the Distirct Assembly.

3.7.2 Tano River Basin

Along the Tano basin to the far west, the towns that are mostly affected by floods
include the following:
.:. Elubo
.:. Nungua
.:. Samreboi

Some settlements in these areas get flooded during heavy rains. Some parts of the
forest concessions are liable to floods.

Enchi is drained by two tributaries of the Tano river. These rivers are Yakase and
Disue which overflow their banks anytime the Tano river gets swollen. The town
becomes flooded and this affects the socio economic activities of the community.

104

Urban Flooding
In Ghana, some of the cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Sekondi- Takoradi do experience
urban floods. In the Greater Accra Metropolitan area, flooding in the eastern and western
lowlands is mainly of short duration and is caused by heavy rains in June-July rainy
season.

Major floods which lead to loss of lives and extensive damage and in some cases
prompted international help occurred in the rainy seasons of 1973, 1986, 1995, 1999,
2001 and 2002.

Types of Flooding
The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area is affected by four broad types of flooding:
(i)

Out-of-bank river flooding: It occurs after long periods of heavy rains and
inundates large tracts of land for a long time because of low gradients of the
river beds and land surfaces in the coastal plains. Out-of-bank river flooding
occurs predominantly in the areas mapped as Natural Prone Areas. (Fig. B.S)

(ii)

Urban (a drainage system) flooding: This is due to drainage overflow and

occurs after extremely intense and short thunderstorm. Increase of paved
surface (imperviousness ground) and silted or otherwise obstructed drains
and
under-dimensioned drainage channels are the causes of urban flooding. The
excess surface water which cannot be absorbed into the ground becomes runoff; filling parking lots, making roads into rivers and flooding basements and
businesses. This type of flooding occurs in areas shown as "Frequently
Flooded Urban Area" in Fig B.S

105

(iii)

Sheet Flow is a loosely defined term which refers to any form of unconfined
run-off that occurs over broad, expansive area with low relief and a gentle
slope and lack of defined stream channels. Sheet flooding is restricted to the
Eastern lowlands which are underlain by clayish soils.

(iv)

When flooding follows immediately or within a short time of thunderstorm,

one speaks of "Flash Flood". Urban flooding and sheet flooding often takes
the form of flash floods. Flash floods have also occurred in the Densu River
below the Weija Dam when the gates were opened to release the pressure on
the dam.

The Geohazard Map (Fig B.5) shows types of flood prone areas. These are:
,.

R.
'.

Frequently flooded urban area

Natural flood prone areas
Marshes and swamps

Frequently flooded urban areas become flooded either by degenerated urbanized

rivers, by obstructed drainage systems or by sheet floods caused by impervious
urban soil. These floods occur rapidly and follow immediately after extreme
rainstorm, and they generally subside soon after.

Natural flood prone areas together with marshes and swamps are localized in the
peri-urban areas and the rural hinterlands where the rivers still expose their
natural slope including flood plains to accommodate the excess flow. Floods in
these areas occur mainly after prolonged rainstorms and they subside slowly.

106

t"O

.----.

Environment and Engineering Geology Map of Greater Accra Metropolitan Area

Areas of Frequent Flooding 1: 100 000

Flood areas

Fnsqventtyfloodedultltlnernas
~lenS(l rainfalls 8Ild tnundcrs:(;'1"'-,S ;'<;'".:;~ ';.:.:,'~ :.;,.~~" J:~'m
<lrairli'gesystomscal'll'lO! hllr1:::'~ ~, .. ~e' .c,!\~._.,.~ '.~~, !'1e

OOSlrue1ed: undersized. orooor:, !'7.~-;-.,~

NmuralJ\oodproocarclls
Ant,as which get fIoodeti se.a5?~\l'::' ~c . ,~:: -l."-;';;'-';' "!"'-"~i-!
,.~

Iho rain seescn Aoo:!in; is i!'l r,~::!~;;..g;,; "'f!i--::-~:, -r ';.;.:!

plains oram.!Js . ;!h shllll::I'/'; scc-e $,.7- lS . ",' :;..':;, : '7~'Sha&.
l~rsh.!WlIfTlp

mas 'I'.tllctJ ere water-sa:l;r/l~~ e- ~

;.SE;RAKU

'4E.i
"G \.\
\

M:;f.-~.-~y"' .

,!.:.,,.:;>:tmd

because lh9y ar& lo'~.10n~./\~ oc 'i"+>~''''''.

v;:,<

;'i:'iern,.,

Conclusions

Most of the floods are natural and as a result of rainfall with about 10 year cycle.

Food shortage follows normally after devastating floods since most the farms are
destroyed.

Misbehaviour of urban residents such as building in waterways, etc contribute

seriously to urban flooding.

Since the amount of impervious ground will automatically increase with time in
the urban areas, flooding frequency will also increase.

108

Recommendations

There should be intensive education to make the communities aware of the

implication of developments in flood prone areas.

Weather Warnings from the Ghana Meteorological Agency should be more

seriously utilized by communities so as to be able to mitigate effects of floods.

Regular monitoring of rainfall in the catchment areas should be carried for the
building of a database for forecasting flood.

There should be enforceable laws by the Assemblies to regulate building in flood

prone areas.

The Bagri Dam in Burkina Faso could be used as an Early Warning for floods in
the White Volta Basin in Ghana if the spillage event is monitored regularly.

109

References
Annon, WMO Annual Report No.1000 2005

Annon, WMO Bulletin Volume 55 (1) January 2006

Annon, WMO Bulletin Volume 55 (3) July 2006

Annon, Emergency Preparedness Plans for Water Supply Dams

The Norplan - Royal Haskoning - ABP

Annon, 1995 Geopeference Database for all African Countries.

World

Resource Institute; World Conservation Monitoring Centre;PABCO

Incorporated Digital Mapping

Robinson Projection Grid; 1: 1 ,000,000
Aboagye M.A. (2005) - NADMO Workshop on Floods Management and Industrial
Accidents 2005

Muff R, Okla R, Anokwa Y.M, Brakohiapa E,Brown R,Edifor D.R, Efa E,Abel
Th, Leydecker G; 2006: Geoinformation for Land Use Planning and Urban
development in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area with Schematic Map of
suggested Land Use 1:100,000 and Geohazard Map 1: 100,000: Ghana- Germany
Technical Cooperation Project; Environmental and Engineering Geology for Urban
Planning in the Accra-Tema Area.

110

SECTION C

FIRE HAZARDS

111

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Data collection

Results for Northern Region

Results for Upper East Region
Results for Brong Ahafo Region
Results for Upper West Region
Results for Eastern Region
Conclusion and Recommendations

112

Introduction
The UNDP in collaboration with NADMO are conducting a survey to assess the bushfire
and lightning situation in Ghana. This assessment is being carried out to produce
geographical information on the four major hazards i.e. geological, hydrometeorological,
Pest and insects infestation bushfires and lightning. The objectives of this assessment are
to support;

NADMO to prepare a long term National Risk Reduction Policy and Programme

The development of a system of hazard reporting and early warning

The strengthening of the institutional structures in the country

In view of this objective, a team of three (3) led by Mr. Albert Brown Gaisie
(consultant), undertook the above exercise for bushfires and lightning in Brong Ahafo,
Upper West, Upper East, Eastern Ashanti and Northern Regions. However work done in
the Ashanti Region was not completed within the time limit and is therefore not reported
here.

Methodology
Questionnaire administration was carried out in twelve (12) districts in the Ashanti
region, seven(7) districts in the Upper East region, twelve(12) districts in the Northern
region, eight (8) districts in the Upper West region, seventeen(17) districts in the Eastern
Region and thirteen(13) districts in the Brong Ahafo Region. Information from literature
under listed below was used for the design of the questionnaire.

>- Global Review of Forest Fires Prepared by Andy Rowell And Dr. Peter F. Moore
(IUCN).

>- Fire In America, A Cultural History Of Wildland and Rural Fire By Stephen J.
Pyne

>- Effects of Fire on Flora, National Fire Effects Workshop

>- Denver, Colorado, April 10- 14

113

Data available at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) collected over five (5) years
(2002 - 2007) in the regions covered were added to the results from the questionnaire for
the analyses. A Program known as 'Statistical Package for Social Scientists' was used in
the analysis of the data collected based on the number of respondents in each region. The
information presented covers the District analysis of fire prone areas within selected
regions of the country namely, Upper West, Upper East, Northern region, Brong Ahafo
region, Ashanti and Eastern regions respectively. The results of the analyses of the data
were used to prepare bushfire hazard maps for the regions covered.

114

Results for Northern Region

In all there were 38 respondents covering eleven districts in the Northern Region (Table
C.1, Fig C.1). Yendi, Nanumba North and Saboba/Chereponi Districts recorded the
highest number of bush fires per year, followed by ZabzuguiTatale, Central Gonja and
Walewale. The district with the least number of bush fires per year is Tamale Metro. (Fig
C. 7 Table C. 7).
Twenty-five (25) percent of the respondents agreed that bush burning is the greatest
environmental problem in the region (Table C.2, Fig C.2). However, as much as 36.8%
could not recollect the number of fire outbreaks experienced in the five year period
studied while 23.7% said there were over 39 fire outbreaks (Table C. 3, Fig C. 3).

More than half (52.6%) of the respondents pointed at hunting as the leading cause of bush
fires in the region. (Table CA, Fig C. 4).

Nearly 45% and 40% agreed bush f ire lead to land degradation and poverty/hunger
respectively (table C.6) indicated the need for education.

Fifty-seven percent (57.9%) respondents said the GNFS is the leading agency for
education on bush fire prevention while 5.3 % was attributed to the Forest Services
Division and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA). (Table C.5, Fig C. 5).

115

Table C1 Number of respondents in eleven districts in the Northern Region

Cumulative
District

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Tolan Kumbugu

15.8

15.8

Vendi

7.9

23.7

ZabzugufTatale

2.6

26.3

Nanumba North

7.9

34.2

Kong - Sawla Kalba

10.5

44.7

Tamale Metro

18.4

63.2

Saboba/Chereponi

5.3

68.4

Savelugu Nanton

2.6

71.1

Central Gonja

10.5

81.6

Bole

10.5

92.1

Walewale

7.9

100.0

Total

38

100.0

116


Fig C.1 Graphical Representation of Respondents in each
District

Name of
District

117

Table C2 Opinion of Respondents on Environmental problems in the Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Bush burning

25

65.8

65.8

Deforestation

10.5

76.3

18.4

94.7

Flooding

2.6

97.4

Erosion

2.6

100.0

Total

38

100.0

of
Depletion
flora & fauna

Fig C2 Histogram showing opinion of Respondents on Environmental problems in

the Region

Bush burning

Deforestation
flora & fauna

Depletion of

Flooding

Erosion

Environmental problems in the district

118

Table C3 Average Frequency of bushfire outbreaks per year (2002 - 2007)

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

14

36.8

36.8

1-10

10.5

47.4

11-20

10.5

57.9

21-30

18.4

76.3

Above 30

23.7

100.0

Total

38

100.0

Don't
know

Fig C3 Histogram showing Average Frequency of bushfire outbreaks per year

(2002 - 2007)

Don't know

1-10

11-20

21-30

Above

30

Frequency of outbreaks per year (2002 - 2007)

119

Table C4 Leading causes of bushfires in the Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Bush burning

23.7

23.7

Hunting

20

52.6

76.3

7.9

84.2

2.6

86.8

13.2

100.0

38

100.0

Charcoal
production
Smoking
Fulani
Herdsmen
Total

Fig C4 Histogram showing Leading causes of bushfires in the Region

Leading causes of
bushfires

6
0

50

40

c
Q)

~ 30

20

1
0

o
Bush burning

Hunting

Charcoal
production

Smoking

Fulani
Herdsmen

Leading causes of bushfires

120

Table CS Sources of bushfireEducation

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

None

18.4

18.4

Community

10.5

28.9

FSD/MOFA

5.3

34.2

NADMO/EPA

7.9

42.1

GNFS

22

57.9

100.0

Total

38

100.0

durbars/NGOs

Fig CS Graphical Representation of bushfire education in the Region

60

50

40

Q)

Q) 30
a..
20

1
0

Sources of bushfire Education

121

Table C6 Effects of bushfires on the Social, political, cultural and economic development
in the Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Don't know

Percent

Percent

2.6

2.6

15

39.5

42.1

7.9

50.0

17

44.7

94.7

Migration

5.3

100.0

Total

38

100.0

I
Poverty
Hunger
Desertification
Land
degradation

Fig C6

Effects of

bushfires

on the

Social,

political,

cultural

and

economic

development in the Region

Effects of bushfires on the Social, political,cultural & ...

122

----------

Fig C7 Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks in Various Districts

Fequency of fire outbreaks in various districts

Name of District

123

Hazard Classification

After the study, the level of risk concernmg hazards in the different districts was
categorized into the following;

Category A - Very high risk hazard area (71 % outbreaks - 1 00% outbreaks)

Category B - High risk hazard area (41 % outbreaks -70% outbreaks)

Category C - Medium risk hazard area (21 % outbreaks - 40% outbreaks)

Category D - Low risk hazard area (0% outbreak - 20% outbreaks)

NB: The percentages of the level of hazard of the districts are calculated based on the
formula below;

% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. of freg. of fire outbreaks on Bar chartx l 00

Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

For e.g., when one considers the Zabzugu / Tatale district which has a corresponding
number of 3 on the bar graph, the % level of Hazard in the district can be calculated as
thus;

% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. offreg. offire outbreaks on Bar chartxlOO

(Zabzugu/ Tatale District) Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

= 3/4x100 = 75%

124

From the Percentage level of hazard classification stated earlier, it can be inferred that,
Zabzugu Tatale district will fall under Category A (71 % - 100%) i.e. Zabzuga /Tatale
district can be classified as aVery High risk hazard area.
Table C7 Summary of Hazard Classification for Districts in the
Northern Region
DISTRICT

% LEVEL

OF

CATEGORY

IMPACT OF HAZARD

HAZARD

Nanumba North

95

VERY HIGH

Yendi

95

VERY HIGH

Saboba / Chereponi

87.5

VERYHIGH

Zabzugu / Tatale

75

VERY HIGH

Central Gonja

75

Walewale

75

VERY HIGH

Tolon Kumbugu

30

MEDIUM

Kong -Sawla Kalba

25

MEDIUM

Savelugu Nanton

25

MEDIUM

Tamale Metro

12.5

LOW

Bole

10

LOW

VERY HIGH

125

Fig C8 Bushfire Hazard Map for the Northern Region

NORTH Impact & % level

lOW (0 - 24)
MEDIUM (25 -44)
HIGH (45 - 70)
VERY HIGH (71 -100)

1
0

Ashanti
50

E"3

5
0
I

100 Kilometers
I

126

Results for Upper East Region

In the Upper East Region there were 31 respondents (Table C. 8). Bawku East district
recorded an average of four fires per year over the study period (the highest in the
region), followed by SandemaiBuilsa district with about two (2) bush fires per year. (Fig.
C. 9). Frequencies of bush fires in the other districts were relatively low. Bush burning is
considered as the greatest environmental problem in this region (Table C. 9, Fig. C.l 0).
Hunting is again recorded as the leading cause of bush fires in this region (Table C. 10
Fig C.ll) and that bush fires lead to land degradation and povertyl hunger (Table C. 11,
Fig C. 12).
The GNFS and NADMO/EPA are the organisations which provide most education on
bush fires to the population. About 20% of the respondents do not receive any education
at all (Table C. 12 Fig. C.l3).
The Bush fire hazard map shows the Bawku District to be very high, followed by
SandemaiBuilsa with the TalensilNandom as the lowest (Table C.13, Fig C.l4).

Table C8 Number of Respondents in the Upper East Region

Cumulative
Frequency

Percentage

Percent

12.9

12.9

17

54.8

67.7

12.9

80.6

3.2

83.9

6.5

90.3

3.2

93.5

Bawku East

3.2

96.8

Bawku west

3.2

100.0

Total

31

100.0

Talensi
Nabdam
Bolga
Municipality
Bongo
South-West
Kalbeo
Kasena
INankana
Sandema/Buil
sa

127

Fig C9 Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks in the

Districts

Fequency of fire outbreaks in various districts

~o

~""

"'I"''/<~6

~..",

't

~o

~
~~

"090

'1'$

,,~ ~

v?,,,,

,,~
0/.

?~
~~
1.Name of District

It-f.

<-~

~~

:f~

It-+.

$..",

~?

~~

<-It-

~'I',

$'1',

'I'~

Table C9 Environmental Problems in the

District

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Bush burning

19

61.3

61.3

Deforestation

12.9

74.2

Depletion of flora

6.5

80.6

Flooding

16.1

96.8

Erosion

3.2

100.0

Total

31

100.0

& fauna

128

Fig CIO Graphical Representation of Environmental Problems in the District

Environmental problems in the district

Bush burning Deforestation

of
flora & fauna

Depletion

Flooding

Erosion

Environmental problems in the district

Table C10 Leading Causes of Bushfires in the Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

3.2

3.2

6.5

9.7

Bush burning

12.9

22.6

Hunting

16

51.6

74.2

3.2

77.4

16.1

93.5

6.5

100.0

31

100.0

Don't know
on
Cooking
the farm

Charcoal
production
Smoking
Fulani
Herdsmen
Total

129

Fig Cll Histogram Showing Leading Causes of Bushfires in the Region

Leading causes of
bushfires

Leading causes of bushfires

Table
Cll

Effects of bushfires on the Social, political, cultural & economic development in the
Region

Cumulative
Effects

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

10

32.3

32.3

12.9

45.2

17

54.8

100.0

31

100.0

/
Poverty
Hunger
Desertification
Land
degradation
Total

130

Fig Cl2 Graphical Representation of the Effects of bushfires on the Social, political,

cultural & economic development in the Region

Effects of bushfires on the Social, political,cultural & economic

dev't of the district
60

5
0

4
0

2
0

1
0

0---'---

I
Poverty I Hunger

I
Desertification

I
Land degradation

Effects of bushfires on the Social, political,cultural &

economic dev't of the district

Table Cl2 Sources of bushfire Education in the Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

None

22.6

22.6

Radio stations

6.5

29.0

Community

9.7

38.7

Newspapers

3.2

41.9

FSD

3.2

45.2

NADMO/EPA

12.9

58.1

GNFS

13

41.9

100.0

Total

31

100.0

durbars/NGOs

131

Fig C13 Histogram Showing Sources of Bushfire Education in the Region

Sources of bushfire Education

0'Q~

v".

'%

It-<I'

~<$>..o

"~

0.

('5)",

<I'

"rei

C$>"'n

"~

Sources of bushfire Education

Hazard Classification

After the study, the level of risk concemmg hazards m the different districts was
categorized into the following;

Category A - Very high risk hazard area (71 % outbreaks - 1 00% outbreaks)

Category B - High risk hazard area (41 % outbreaks -70% outbreaks)

Category C - Medium risk hazard area (21 % outbreaks - 40% outbreaks)

132

Category D - Low risk hazard area (0% outbreak - 20% outbreaks)

NB: The percentages of the level of hazard of the districts are calculated based on the
formula on the next page.

% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. of freg. of fire outbreaks on Bar chart I 00

Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

For e.g., when one considers the Sandemal Builsa district which has a corresponding
number of 2 on the bar graph, the % level of Hazard in the district can be calculated as
thus;

% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. offreg. of fire outbreaks on Bar chart xl00

(Sandema/Builsa)

Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

2 xl00 = 50%
4
From the Percentage level of hazard classification stated earlier, it can be inferred that,
Sandema I Builsa district will fall under Category B (41 % - 70%) i.e. SandemaiBuilsa
district can be classified as a High risk hazard area.

133

Table C13 Summary of Hazard Classification for Districts in the Upper East Region

DISTRICT

LEVEL

OF CATEGORY

IMPACT OF HAZARD

HAZARD
Bawku East

100

Sandema I Builsa

50

HIGH

Bolga Municipality

30

MEDIUM

Bawku West

25

MEDIUM

Talensi I Nabdam

20

LOW

Bongo

12.5

LOW

Talensi I Nabdam

12.5

LOW

VERY HIGH

134

~------

-------

Fig C14 Fire Hazard Map For Upper East Region

upp ERE AST Impact & % Level

LOW (0 -24)
MEDIUM (25 - 44)

HIGH (45 - 70)

VERY HIGH (71 -100)

135

Results for Brong Ahafo Region

The forty-eight (48) respondents who returned the questionnaire were distributed in the
region as shown in Table C. 14, Fig. 15.The respondents ranked bush fire and
deforestation as equal and second environmental problems after floods (Table C. 15, Fig.
C.16). Almost 38% of respondents could not recollect the average number of fire
outbreaks per year in the region in the study period. The remaining 62% estimated
between 1 to over 30 fire outbreaks per year during the study period (Table C. 16, Fig.
C.
17). Hunting was ranked as the leading cause of bush fires followed by bush burning,
charcoal production and herdsmen in that order, (table C. 17, Fig C.18). GNFS and
NADMO/EPA are again the leading organisations that provide fire prevention education
to the population (Table C. 18, Fig.C.19). 25% of the population do not hear of any
educational programme on fire prevention.
Nearly 42% of respondents believe that bush fires lead to land degradation while 35%
believes that bush fires lead to poverty and hunger (Table C. 20). Nearly 17% and 4%
think that bush fires lead to desertification and migration respectively.
Fig. C. 21 shows the frequency of bush fire outbreaks in the various districts. The
districts with high frequency are Atebubu and Wenchi, followed by Tain District. The
lowest in the district are Kintampo South, Dormaa, Techiman, Berekum, Duayaw
Nkwanta Tano South and Tano North. (Table C. 21, Fig C.21 and C. 22)

136

Table CI4 Number of Respondent in the Brong Ahafo Region

Cumulative
Districts

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Nkoransa

12.5

12.5

Duayaw

2.1

14.6

Tano North

6.3

20.8

Tano South

8.3

29.2

Asunafo South

8.3

37.5

Sunyani

13

27.1

64.6

Wenchi

6.3

70.8

Kintampo

4.2

75.0

Berekum

2.1

77.1

Tain

6.3

83.3

Dormaa

4.2

87.5

Atebubu

8.3

95.8

Techiman

4.2

100.0

Total

48

100.0

Nkwanta

South

Fig CIS Graphical Representation of Respondents in each Districts

Name of District

Name of
District

137

Table CIS Opinion of Respondents on Environmental Problems in the District

Cumulative
Environmental Problems

Frequency

Percent

Percent

Bush burning

10

20.8

20.8

Deforestation

10

20.8

41.7

Depletion of flora

14.6

56.3

Flooding

13

27.1

83.3

Erosion

16.7

100.0

Total

48

100.0

& fauna

Fig CI6 Histogram of Opinion of Respondents on Environmental Problems in the

District

Environmental problems in the district

3
0

25

20

i
~

15

1
0

o
Bush burning

Deforestation

Depletion of
flora & fauna

Flooding

Erosion

Environmental problems in the district

138

Table C16 Average Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks per year (2002 - 2007)
Cumulative
Frequency

Percent

Percent

18

37.5

37.5

1-10

18.8

56.3

11-20

10.4

66.7

21-30

14.6

81.3

Above 30

18.8

100.0

Total

48

100.0

Don't
know

Fig C17 Histogram showing Average Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks per year
(2002 - 2007)

Frequency of outbreaks per year (2002 - 2007)

Don't know
Above 30

1-10

11-20

21-30

Frequency of outbreaks per year (2002 - 2007)

139

Table CI7 Leading Causes of Bushfires in the Region

Cumulative
Leading Causes

Frequency

Percent

Percent

Bush burning

13

27.1

27.1

Hunting

15

31.3

58.3

10

20.8

79.2

4.2

83.3

16.7

100.0

48

100.0

Charcoal
production
Smoking
Fulani
Herdsmen
Total

Fig CI8 Histogram showing Leading Causes of Bushfires in the Region

Leading causes of
bushfires

Bush burning

Hunting

Charcoal
production

Smoking

FuJani
Herdsmen

Leading causes of bushfires

140

Table C18 Sources of Bushfire Education in the Region

Cumulative
Sources

Frequency

Percent

Percent

12

25.0

25.0

8.3

33.3

14.6

47.9

10

20.8

68.8

6.3

75.0

GNFS

12

25.0

100.0

Total

48

100.0

None
Community
durbars/NG
Os
FSD/MOFA
NADMO/EP
A
Opinion
Leaders

Fig C19 Histogram showing Sources of Bushfire Education in the Region

Sources of bushfire
Education

Sources of bushfire Education

141

Table C19 Bushfire preventive measures by community

Cumulative
Frequency

Percent

Valid Percent

Percent

10.4

10.4

10.4

13

27.1

27.1

37.5

14

29.2

29.2

66.7

15

31.3

31.3

97.9

2.1

2.1

100.0

48

100.0

100.0

Traditional
beliefs

&

Taboos
Bye-laws
Volunteers

&

Community
Task force
Sensitization/
Awareness
creation
Empowering
local structures
Total

Fig C20 Histogram Showing Bushfire preventive measures by community

Bushfire preventive measures by community

3
0

1
0

I
I

I
I

o
Traditional
beliefs &
Taboos

Bye-laws

Volunteers &
Sensitization/
Community Task Awareness
force
creation

Empowering
local structures

Bushfire preventive measures by community

142

Table C20 Effects of Bushfires on the Social, Political, Cultural & Economic Development
of the District

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percent

Percent

Don't know

2.1

2.1

Poverty / Hunger

17

35.4

37.5

Desertification

16.7

54.2

20

41.7

95.8

Migration

4.2

100.0

Total

48

100.0

Land
degradation

Fig e2l Histogram Showing Average Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks In Various

District

Fequency of fire outbreaks in various districts

143
Name of District

Hazard Classification
After the study, the level of risk concernmg hazards in the different districts was
categorized into the following;
Category A - Very high risk hazard area (71 % outbreaks - 1 00% outbreaks)
Category B - High risk hazard area (41 % outbreaks - 70% outbreaks)
Category C - Medium risk hazard area (21 % outbreaks - 40% outbreaks)
Category D - Low risk hazard area (0% outbreak - 20% outbreaks)
NB: The percentages of the level of hazard of the districts are calculated based on the
formula below;

% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. of freg. of fire outbreaks on Bar chartx l 00

Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks
For e.g., when one considers the Tain district which has a corresponding number of 3 on
the bar graph, the % level of Hazard in the district can be calculated as thus;

% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. of freg. of fire outbreaks on Bar chartx l 00

(Tain District)

Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

= 3 x100 = 75%
4
From the Percentage level of hazard classification stated earlier, it can be inferred that,
Tain district will fall under Category A (71 % - 100%) i.e. Tain district can be classified
as aVery High risk hazard area.

144

Table C21_Summary of Hazard Classification for Districts in the Brong Ahafo

Region

DISTRICT

% LEVEL

OF

CATEGORY

IMPACT OF HAZARD

HAZARD
Wenchi

87.5

VERY HIGH

Atebubu

87.5

VERY HIGH

Tain

75

VERYHIGH

Nkoranza

70

HIGH

Sunyani

50

HIGH

Asunafo South

37.5

MEDIUM

Kintampo South

25

MEDIUM
MEDIUM

Dormaa

25

C
MEDIUM

Techiman

25

Berekum

25

MEDIUM

Duayaw Nkwanta

25

MEDIUM

Tano North

25

MEDIUM

Tano South

25

MEDIUM

145

Fig e22 Bushfire Hazard Map for Brong Ahafo Region

10

UfJfJCI VVC::>L-

50

E3 I

Northern
5
0

146
Ashanti
100 Kilometers

Eastern
BRONG AHAFO Impact & % Level

lOW (0 - 24)
MEDIUM {25 - 44)
HIGH (45-70)
VER Y HIGH (71 - 100)

Results for Upper West Region

The nine (9) respondents from the region (Table C.22) ranked hunting as the leading
cause of bush fires, followed by cigarette smoking (Table C. 23).
All nine respondents said that bush burning was the greatest and only environmental
problem in the region (Table C. 24)
While seven out of nine respondents agreed to an average of 1- 10 fire incidence per year
between 2002 and 2007; one ofthem was of the view that 11-20 per year (Table C. 25)
GNFS and FSD were the leading educators on bush fire prevention in the region (Table
C. 26; Fig C. 22)
Respondents believed in instituting different measures to prevent bush fires. Thirty-three
percent (33%) was of the view that bye-laws be enacted at the district levels. Twenty two
percent (22%) believed in strengthening traditional beliefs, and another 22% believed in
volunteerism. Eleven percent (11%) believed in sensitization and awareness creation,
whilst another 11 % was not sure which of the measures would work (Table C. 27, Fig
C23)
Seven out of the nine respondents recognised that bush fires led to land degradation,
desertification, poverty and hunger affecting their social, cultural and economic
development (Table C. 28)

Only one district (Jirapa/Lambussie)) was ranked very high bushfire risk. All the rest
were ranked low. (Table C29). The results were translated in a hazard map for the region
(Fig.C.23).

147

Table e22 Number of Respondents in (8) Districts in the Upper West

Region
Cumulative
Districts

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

11.1

11.1

Wa West

11.1

22.2

Nandom

11.1

33.3

Wa East

11.1

44.4

22.2

66.7

1l.l

77.8

Lawra

11.1

88.9

Nadowli

11.1

100.0

Total

100.0

Tumu

&

Gwullu

Wa
municipality

Jirapa
Lambussie

Table C23 Leading Causes of Bushfires in the

Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Hunting

66.7

66.7

Smoking

33.3

100.0

Total

100.0

148

Table C24 Opinion of Respondents on Environmental problems in the

Region
Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

100.0

100.0

Bush
burning

Table C25 Average Freq uency of Outbreaks per year (2002 2007)
Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Don't
I

II.I

II.I

1-10

77.8

88.9

II.I

100.0

Total

100.0

know

149

Table C26 Sources of Bushfire Education in the Region

Cumulative
Response

Frequency

Valid Percent

Percent

11.1

11.1

11.1

22.2

FSD

22.2

44.4

GNFS

55.6

100.0

Total

100.0

None
Community
durbarsfNG
Os

Fig C22 Histogram Showing Sources of Bushfire Education in the Region

Sources of bushfire Education

None

Community
durbars/NGOs

FSD

GNF

Sources of bushfire Education

150

Table C27 Suggested Bushfire preventive measures by community

Cumulative
Response
Don't know

Frequency

Valid Percent

Percent

11.1

11.1

22.2

33.3

33.3

66.7

22.2

88.9

11.1

100.0

100.0

Traditional
beliefs & Taboos
Bye-laws
Volunteers
Community

&

Task force
Sensitization/
Awareness
creation
Total

Fig C23 Histogram showing Bushfire Preventive Measures by the

Community

Bushfire preventive measures by community

Don't know

Traditional
beliefs &
Taboos

Bye-laws

Volunteers &
Sensitization/
Community Task Awareness
force
creation

Bushfire preventive measures by community

151

Table C28 Effects of bushfires on the Social, political, cultural & economic development of
the district

Cumulative
Effects

Frequency

Percentage

Percent

Don't know

22.2

22.2

11.1

22.2

22.2

44.4

44.4

88.9

10

100.0

/
Poverty
Hunger
Desertification
Land
degradation
Total

Hazard Classification
After the study, the level of risk concernmg hazards m the different districts was
categorized into the following;

Category A - Very high risk hazard area (71 % outbreaks - 100% outbreaks)
Category B - High risk hazard area (41 % outbreaks -70% outbreaks)
Category C - Medium risk hazard area (21 % outbreaks - 40% outbreaks)
Category D - Low risk hazard area (0% outbreak - 20% outbreaks)
NB: The percentages of the level of hazard of the districts are calculated based on the
formula on the next page;
% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. of freq. of fire outbreaks on Bar chartx l 00
Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

For e.g., when one considers the Wa Municipality which has a corresponding number of
1 on the bar graph, the % level of Hazard in the district can be calculated as thus;
% Level of Hazard = Corresponding No. offreq. of fire outbreaks on Bar chart xl00

152

(Wa Municipality) Total No. of frequency of fire outbreaks

1-ioo = 20%
5
From the Percentage level of hazard classification stated earlier, it can be inferred that,
Wa Municipality will fall under Category D (0% - 20%) i.e. Wa Municipality can be
classified as a Low risk hazard area (Table C29).

Table C29 Summary of Hazard Classification for Districts in the Upper West Region

DISTRICT

0/0

LEVEL

OF

CATEGORY

IMPACT OF HAZARD

HAZARD
Jirapa / Larnbussie

100

VERY HIGH

Nandom

20

LOW

Wa West

20

LOW

Tumu and Gwulu

20

LOW

Lawra

20

LOW

Nadowli

20

LOW

Wa East

20

LOW

Wa Municipality

10

LOW

153

1.
Fig C24 Bushfire Hazard Map for the Upper West Region

UPPER WE ST Impact & % Le~eI

C,

HI

III

l_

LOW (0 - 24)
MEDIUM (25 - 44)
HIGH (45 - 70)
VERY HIGH (71 -100)

Norther
n
Brong-Ahafo
40

40

154
80 Kilometers

EE=3~C=~I~====LI====~1

Results for Eastern Region

There were 20 respondents in the Eastern Region. (Table C. 30, Fig C. 25)
Hunting was ranked as the leading cause of bush fires, followed by herdsmen, and bush
burning with lowest being cooking on farm, charcoal burning and smoking of cigarettes.
(Table C. 31, Fig. C. 26)
Over the study period 30.0% of respondents recalled seeing between 1 - 10 fire
outbreaks
and 50.0% recalled seeing 11-20 fire incidences whilst 10.0% of respondents did not
recall seeing any fire outbreaks at all. (Table C. 32; Fig. C. 27).
GNFS is ranked highest among organizations providing education of bush fire
prevention. This was followed by Community Durbars, FM Stations, Opinion Leaders
and Forest Services Division in that order (Table C. 33; Fig. C. 28).
With regards to bush fire preventive measures 50% of respondents stated that it should
be
done by traditional measures, while 35% were of the opinion that local
structures(traditional authorities, farmers associations) should be empowered to carry it
out. Five percent each recommended institution of bye-laws, and formation of
community volunteers. (Table C. 34, Fig C. 29).
Seventy percent of respondents found bush burning as the major environmental concern
in the region. Flooding, water pollution, depletion of flora and fauna were of relatively
less importance (Table C. 35, Fig C. 29)
In the opinion of the respondents poverty/hunger and land degradation were the greatest
negative socio-economic and socio-cultural effects of bush fires in the region. These
were
followed by migration and desertification. (Table C. 36, Fig C. 30)
The study revealed that Fanteakwa, Kwahu South and Asogyaman Districts were ranked
as the highest bush fire hazards, followed by Afram Plains, Suhurn/Kroboa Coaltar,
Birim North and Upper Manya Districts in that order. (Table C. 37, Fig C. 31, Fig C. 32)

155

Table C30 Number of Respondents in Eight Districts

District

Frequency

Percentage

Cumulative Percent

F ante akwa

5.0

5.0

Afram plains

35.0

40.0

Asuogyaman

10.0

50.0

Upper Manya

5.0

55.0

Birim North

15.0

70.0

Kwahu South

10.0

80.0

Tafo-Kwahu

20.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Fig C25 Graphical representation of Respondents in each District

Name of townl
district

156

Table C31 Leading Causes of Bushfires in the Region

Response

Frequency

Percentage

Cumulative Percent

Don't know

10.0

10.0

Cooking on the farm

5.0

15.0

Bush burning

15.0

30.0

Hunting

45.0

75.0

Charcoal burning

5.0

80.0

5.0

85.0

Fulani Herdsmen

15.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Smoking

Fig C26 Histogram Showing Leading Causes of Bushfires in the Region

50

40

C
30

CI>

CI>

a,

20
10

nl
I

Leading causes of bushfires in the district

157

2.
Table C32 Average Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks Per Year (2002 2007)

Response

Frequency

Percentage

Cumulative Percent

None

10.0

10.0

1 - 10

30.0

40.0

11 - 20

10

50.0

90.0

21 - 30

10.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Fig C27 Histogram Showing Frequency of Bushfire Outbreaks Per Year (2002 2007)

5
0

Frequency of fire outbreaks (2002 -2007)

158

Table C33 Source of Education on Bushfires in the Region

Source of Bushfires
Education

Cumulative
Frequency

Valid Percent

Percent

None

10.0

10.0

FM stations

10.0

20.0

Community durbars

20.0

40.0

NADMO

10.0

50.0

GNFS

40.0

90.0

Opinion leaders

5.0

95.0

FSD

5.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Fig C28 Histogram Showing Source of Education on Bushfires in the

Region

Source of education on
bushfires

159

Table C34 Efforts Adopted By the Authorities (district/traditional etc.) to Prevent

Bush Fires in the Region

Valid

Cumulative

Frequency

Percent

Percent

Don't know

5.0

5.0

Traditional Measures

10

50.0

55.0

5.0

60.0

Volunteers & Community task force

5.0

65.0

Empowering local structures

35.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Response

Bye-laws

Fig C29 Histogram Showing Efforts adopted By the Authorities (district/traditional

etc.) to Prevent Bush Fires in the Region
50

4
0

1:

30

Q)

...
U

Q)

c,

20

1
0

o
Don't know

Traditional
beliefs

Bye-laws

Volunteers &
Community
task force

Empowering
local
structures

160

Table C35 Opinion of Respondents on Environmental problems in the

Region

Frequency

Percentage

Cumulative Percent

Bush burning

14

70.0

70.0

Indiscriminate felling of trees

5.0

75.0

Depletion of flora & fauna

5.0

80.0

Flooding

10.0

90.0

Water pollution

10.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Fig C29 Histogram showing Opinion of Respondents on Environmental problems

in
the Region
70

6
0

5
0

Ii

30

20

10

Bush burning

I I

Indiscriminate
fellina of trees

Depletion of
flora & fauna

Flooding
pollution

Water

161

Table C36 Effects of bushfires on the socio-cultural-politico-economic development

in the Region

Response

Frequency

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

Don't know

15.0

15.0

Poverty IHunger

25.0

40.0

Desertification

15.0

55.0

Land degradation

25.0

80.0

Migration

20.0

100.0

Total

20

100.0

Fig C30 Histogram showing Effects of bushfires on the socio-cultural-politicoeconomic development in the Region

162

Table C37 Summary of Hazard Classification for Districts in the Eastern Region
DISTRICTS

% LEVEL OF HAZARD

CATEGORY

Fanteakwa

100

IMPACT
OF
HAZARD
VERY
HIGH

Asuogyaman

100

Kwahu South

100

VERY
HIGH

VERY
HIGH

Afram Plains

98

VERY
HIGH

Suhum
Kraboa
Coaltar

80

VERY
HIGH

Birim North

50

HIGH

Upper

50

HIGH

Manya

Fig C31Comparision of frequency of fire outbreaks in the Region

2

"'"
nl
(I)

>.

-(I
)"'"

Q.

1.5

III

~t--

nlO

(1)0
"'"('.I
.0,

-('.I
::Jo

00

('.1

0_

>o

0.5

t:
(I)

::J

C"
(I)

"'"

u,

163

FIRE HAZARD MAP FOR EASTERN

REGION

3.
4.

FIRE HAZARD CLASSIFICATION FOR EASTERN REGION

(GHANA)

rang-Ahafa
Ashanti
Central

Conclusion
Results of analysis of data available showed that the worst affected region was the
Northern. Region. Within regions there are variations in frequency of fire outbreaks
between districts.
The major bush fire starters were identified as:
Herdsmen who burn in order to have fresh shoots of grass to feed cattle.
Hunters who burn the bush for game
Farmers who use naked fire for cooking on farms.
Rural folks who use naked flame for night hunting for mushrooms, snails,
etc.

Hunting ranks first followed by herdsmen as among the major causes of bush fires.
Respondents in all regions recognize bush fire as the greatest environmental problem and
recognize the efforts of GNFS and NADMO/EP A in educating the populace on fire
prevention

Recommendations

5. Fire Volunteers need to attend short term courses and refresher courses to update on
new techniques for controlling bushfires and how to apply controlled burning
methods. For example, they need to know the effect of fuel loading and climatic
conditions on fire spread intensity as well as techniques for fire fighting.

6. Workshops to raise the level of awareness on bushfire prevention for stakeholders

including opinion and community leaders must be periodically organized. This
could be done with support from donor agencies.

7. Farmers who use fire to clear land and harvest crops need sustained and regular
advice on control and prevention of bushfires.

165

4. Strengthening of anti-bushfire campaigns in schools through the setting up of antibushfire clubs in second cycle institutions.

5. Assemblies (Districts, Municipal, and Metropolitan) to enforce bye-laws they enact

while traditional rulers are encouraged to punish offenders in their areas of
jurisdiction.

6. Through sensitisation, community members, particularly farmers, ought to know

when to bum their farms and always seek the support of fire volunteers before
burning

166

SECTIOND

PEST AND INSECT INFESTATION

HAZARDS

167

CONTENTS
1.
Introduction
Scope of work
Methodology
2. Larger Grain Borer
2.1 Introduction
2.2 LGB in Ghana
2.3 Control of LGB in Ghana
2.4 Conclusion and recommendations

3.0 Armyworm
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Armyworm infestation in Ghana
3.3 Armyworm control in Ghana
4.0 Grasshoppers/Locusts
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Locust
4.3 Historical Records of Locust Invasion in Ghana
4.4 Grasshoppers in Ghana
4.5 Conclusion and recommendations

5.0 Cape St. Paul Wilt disease of Coconut

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Economic consequences of CSPWD
5.3 Management ofthe Disease

6.0 Invasive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera invadens)

6.1- Introduction
6.2 Invasive Fruit Fly in Ghana

168

7.0 Black pod of Cocoa (Phytophtera palmivora)

7.1 Introduction
7.2 Effect on Cocoa production in Akomadan area
7.3 Effect on Socio-economic life of people in Akomadan area
7.4 National Survey for P. megakarya spread
7.5 Disaster Risk Reduction

8.0 African Swine Fever

8.1 Introduction
8.2 ASF in Ghana
8.3 Recommendation

9.0 Anthrax
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Anthrax in Ghana
9.3 Human cases
9.4 Conclusion and recommendation

10.0 Avian Influenza

10.1 Introduction
10.2 Transmission
10.3 Control
10.4 A. 1. In Ghana
10.5 Recommendation

11.0 Conclusion
12.0 References
13.0 Acknowledgement
Appendices
169

Executive Summary
I

The objective of the pest and insect infestation team in the project was to prepare hazard
maps for the most disaster prone regions/districts, prepare vulnerability maps and to
prepare disaster risk zonation maps for each hazard.

Due to time and logistic constraints and general difficulty in retrieving information, it
was only possible to end at the preparation of hazard maps. Hazard maps for ten (10)
Pests and Insects Infestation Disasters have been prepared and presented in this report.

The study identified the following as constituting the major pest and insect infestation
disasters in the country.
1.

Larger Grain Borer (LGB)

2.

Armyworm

3.

Locusts/Grasshoppers

4.

Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease of Coconut

5.

Invasive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera invadens)

6.

Black pod disease (Phytophthora megakarya)

7.

African Swine Fever

8.

Anthrax

9.

Avian Influenza

Data available on incidences of the different disaster types from various institutions and
organizations, field visits, available literature as well as information gathered through
personal communications have been put together to prepare the hazard maps.

The Larger Grain Borer was found to have spread steadily from the Volta Region to all
other parts of the country within 8 years of its first appearance and had caused
considerable damage to stored grains and dried cassava chips. Every part of the country
170

stands in danger of attacks if necessary precautions are not taken. Another major pest is
the armyworm. Its first incidence was recorded in 1937 and sixty-three (63) regional
Armyworm outbreaks had been recorded by 2006. The most recent outbreak in 2006
covered five (5) regions and destroyed large areas of crops. With the exception of the
Central and Western Regions all parts of the country seem vulnerable to armyworm
InVaSIOns.

Information available shows that locust invasion in the northern regions of Ghana
occurred between 1928 and 1939, a period referred to as the decade of Locust invasion.
The most recent locust invasions in West Africa did not affect Ghana, though Burkina
Faso was affected. The possibility of Ghana being invaded by locusts is real. The spread
of Cape S1. Paul Wilt Disease in Ghana and its economic importance has been shown
with programmes in place to manage the disease. The distribution of an invasive fruit
fly since 2005 has also been mapped. This fly which is spread throughout the country
poses a great danger to Ghana's mango and citrus industry. The spread of the highly
destructive cocoa blackpod infective agent, the Phytophthora megakarya, has been
shown with recommendations for reducing disaster risk.

With respect to animal diseases African Swine Fever infection which was first recorded
in the country in 1999 in the Volta and Greater Accra Regions which has spread
throughout the country. Although all regions, except the Western, have recorded
incidence of ASF, recent occurrences are concentrated in Ashanti and the Upper West
Regions. Greater Accra Region has had the highest number of pigs affected by the
disease. Available records show that the first Anthrax case recorded in Ghana was in
1981. Sixty-three (63) outbreaks of anthrax have occurred affecting 549 animals and
resulting in 308 animal deaths. Almost 40% of the outbreaks occurred in the Upper East
Region and 30% in the Northern Region. Correspondingly higher numbers of animals
died in these regions (37% and 31 % respectively). From 1988 to 2006, a total of 287
human anthrax cases were recorded of which 31 died. All deaths recorded in the three
northern regions.
171

Locations of Avian Influenza incidences in the country in 2007 have been shown.
Significantly the occurrences did not result in human infection.
Recommendations for disaster risk reduction in all the disaster types have been made.
Based on observations in the field during data collection a recommendation has also been
made for consistent data collection and record keeping by relevant agencies countrywide.

172

1.0 Introduction

Pests are organisms that cause harm to man, crops, livestock and other possessions of
man. They are a nuisance to him and interfere with man's welfare. The damage caused
by pests to crops, livestock and humans may run into millions of cedis annually, and can
destabilize families and communities and also distort national economies.

The role of agriculture (crop, livestock and timber production) in the economy of Ghana
is enormous. The agricultural sector which contributes about 60% of the country's Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) also employs 65-70% of the total labour force. An appreciable
proportion of Ghana's population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture.

Damage to crops, livestock, timber and their stored-products can be so severe that
operators of agriculture can be helpless and consequently affect the socio-economic lives
of communities and countries.

The incidence of pests, including insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses etc, can result in famine
with its consequent high death toll on humans, completely wipe out livestock and totally
destroy stored food and timber products. Such pest and insect infestation disasters have
become common, Ghana not being an exception.

The emphasis in disaster management these days has been on the pre-disaster phase,
where communities are encouraged to identify risks to their lives, properties and
livelihood as a means of preventing and/or minimising the effects of such disasters; ie.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). For effective DRR strategies to be put in place there
should be proper identification of the hazards, hazard mapping, vulnerability and risk
assessment.

173

1.2 Methodology

The team set out to collect data on incidences of the different disaster types from the
regions. Due to financial and logistic constraints, seven of the ten regions were visited in
addition to the headquarters of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate
(PPRSD) and the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture
(MOFA) and the Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo (see Appendices). It was anticipated that
data from regions not visited would be available at the Headquarters, but this was not the
case.

Discussions were held between the team and officials of the Ministry of Food and
Agriculture and data collected on incidences of pests, such as: year of incidence, location
of outbreak, damage caused etc.

The locations were plotted into Ghana Maps to form the hazard maps which show areas
prone to the particular hazard.

175

2.0 The Larger Grain Borer (LGB) As a Major Pest Problem in Ghana.
2.1 Introduction

A major insect pest which has posed the greatest challenge to the attainment of food
security in Africa over the past 20 years is the Larger Grain Borer (LGB), Prostephanus
truncatus (Horn) ( Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). This pest, originally a native of Central and
South America was accidentally introduced into Africa in the 1980s. In 1980, farmers in
the Tabora region of Tanzania reported the incidence of a strange insect that attacked
stored maize and dry cassava. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery that the
insect was the Larger Grain Borer, P. truncatus, a native of Central and South America.
It was thought to have entered Tanzania through Food Aid. Soon it became the most
aggressive and severely damaging pest of stored maize and dried cassava in Africa. A
characteristic feature of P. truncatus infestation is total destruction of maize, especially
cob-stored maize, reducing it to powder after a few months of storage.

In Tanzania, up to 34% weight loss was recorded when maize was stored for 3-6 months
while cassava suffered 70% weight loss after 4 months storage (Hodges et al., 1983).
LGB was also known to attack a wide range of items (food and non-food items) including
dried sweet potatoes, millet, sorghum, pepper, peas, beans, tobacco, bamboo, wooden
spoons, baskets, shoes, clothes, (Mushi 1984,) and perspex (Howard, 1983). The insect
is however unable to breed in many of the objects it attacks; only maize, dried cassava
and some wood species support its development and reproduction.

From Tanzania, P. truncatus spread to the neighbouring countries of Kenya (Kega and
Warui, (1983), Burundi (Gilman, 1984) Malawi (GTZ, 1992) and Rwanda (GTZ, 1993).
In what appears to be a separate introduction into West Africa, possibly also through
Food Aid, P. truncatus was reported in Togo in 1984 (Harnisch and Krall, 1984). From
Togo it spread to neighbouring Benin (Krall and Favi, 1986) and Ghana (Dick et al,
1989). The insect has now been recorded in some 16 African Countries (Bell et al. 1999)
176

including Guinea (Kalivogui and Muck, 1991), Nigeria (Pike et al., 1992) Niger (Adda et
al, 1996) Burkina Faso (Bosque-Perez et al., 1996) and Zambia (Sumani and Ngolwe,

1996) (Table D 1).

Table D1: First reports of Larger Grain Borer in Africa

COUNTRY

YEAR RECORDED

REFERENCE

Tanzania

(1981 )

Dunstan & Magazini (1981)

Burundi

(1984)

Gilman (1984)

Malawi

(1992)

GTZ, ( unpublished)

Rwanda

(1993)

GTZ, (unpublished)

Kenya

(1993)

Kega & Warui (1993)

Zambia

(1996)

Sumani & Ngolwe (1996)

Togo

(1984)

Harnisch & Krall (1984)

Benin

(1986)

Krall & Favi (1986)

Ghana

(1989)

Dick et al. (1989)

Guinea

(1991)

Kalivogui & Muck (1991)

Burkina Faso

(1991)

Bosque-Perez et al. (1991)

Nigeria

(1992)

Pike et al. (1992)

Niger

(1996)

Adda et al. (1996)

177

2.2 LGB in Ghana

Soon after its incidence in Togo, it was feared that the Larger Grain Borer would enter
Ghana also. Consequently, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Postharvest Development
Project in Ghana began surveys along the border with Togo. A first survey in 1986 did
not record any LGB incidence. A second survey carried out in 1989 revealed a low LGB
presence in the Volta Region, between Denu and Kpetoe, areas close to the Togo border
(Dick and Rees, 1989). A third survey revealed significantly high LGB incidences in the
Volta Region (Dick et al, 1989). By 1991, when a fourth survey was carried out (Ayertey
and Brempong - Yeboah, 1991), the pest was well established, with much higher
population levels in the areas where it had been documented earlier. Indeed the highest
incidences were recorded in the border towns ofNyive, Shia and Honuta, all in the forest
zone of Ho district. The fourth survey also revealed the presence of the pest in areas far
removed from maize fields, stores or human settlements and suggested that P. truncatus
might be present in the wild vegetation in the forest. By the end of 1991, LGB had
crossed the Volta River and by 1994 the pest had spread to all the ten regions of the
country. With the spread of LGB to other parts of the country, a national trapping
network was set up to monitor the pest. Results from this trapping network showed that
LGB had spread throughout the country and was increasing at a fast rate (see data from
the national trapping network captured in Ghana maps from 1993 to 1997) (Figs. D 1 a to
Dlf). Wherever the pest was found in Ghana, it exhibited the same devastating effects
reported elsewhere, with maize and dry cassava suffering heaviest losses. These crops
were reduced to powder after a few months of attack.

178

2.3 Control of LGB in Ghana

Following its incidence in Togo and the expectation that LGB would eventually enter
Ghana, assistance was sought from the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) of
the United Kingdom. A British Government grant obtained led to the establishment of an
ODA/MOFA Ghana Larger Grain Borer (LGB) Project in the Volta Region, to contain
the pest in that region. The LGB Project was administered through the Natural Resources
Institute (NRI).

A counterpart Ghanaian research team that was put in place requested modifications to
the project objectives (Ayertey, 1993). These included the use of biological control in the
curtailment of the pest, among others. This team, the LGB Working Group, under the
National Biological Control Committee contributed significantly to the success of the
LGB Project in Ghana. The project developed an integrated approach to the containment
of LGB in Ghana. This included the use of a "cocktail insecticide" made up of
permethrin and pirimiphos methyl "Actellic Super", fumigation with phosphine gas,
where conditions permitted, selection and treatment of appropriate wood for the
construction of cribs used for grain storage, adoption of storage hygiene, incorporation of
traditional storage practices, such as cob selection before storage, as well as biological
control through the introduction of an exotic predator from Central America.

179

8.
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180

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183

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Biological Control

As part of the integrated control strategy adopted for the containment of LGB in Ghana,
a predator beetle, Teretrius nigrescens Lewis (Coleoptera: Histeridae) was adopted for
use in the Volta Region. Until recently (Mazur, 1997) this predator was known as
Teretriosoma nigrescens (Lewis) (Tn. for short). Three releases of this predator were
made in May and September 1994 in the Volta Region and between April and June 1998
outside the Volta Region (Ofosu et al., 1998). After these releases, two crucial activities
were carried out. These involved the monitoring of the pest population and
establishment of the predator using pheromone traps

Although the results obtained from the releases in the Volta Region were encouraging
enough to justify further nation-wide releases and monitoring, funding was no longer
available after the LGB Project ended.

It is important to note that other African countries with LGB problems had also carried
out releases of T nigrescens. These include Togo (1991), Kenya (1992) and Benin
(1994).

As a result of the positive information obtained from biocontrol, using T nigrescens, it

became necessary to examine the role that indigenous natural enemies in our
environment
can play in the control of LGB. A search for these (Seini, 1998) showed that an
indigenous parasitoid, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) (Hymenoptera:
Pteromalidae) was a good candidate. Further work by Bonu-Ire (unpublished) has shown
that under laboratory conditions, A. calandrae could cause 50.2-72.8% reduction in P.
truncatus populations in 8 weeks while T nigrescens could reduce P. truncatus
populations by 69.7 - 86.1 % over the same period. These reductions led to significant
reductions in grain loss. These results therefore suggest that the indigenous parasitoid
can make a significant contribution in the control of P. truncatus and can therefore
186

augment the contribution of the predator currently in use in biocontrol programmes of

the LGB in Africa.

2.4 Conclusion and recommendation

Visits to many regions of the country in recent months have revealed that LGB has
spread further in the country, especially to the northern regions, where it has become a
major pest on dry cassava. While reports from the Volta Region, the original hot spot of
the pest appears to indicate a reduction of the pest, probably due to the releases of the
natural enemy, in the absence of a national trapping exercise to serve as a monitoring
tool, it is difficult to ascertain the true state of the pest. It is urgent that a new nation-wide
trapping system be put in place, to help determine the current status of the pest so as to
help develop a control strategy based on current evidence from the field.

187

3.0 Armyworm Infestation in

Ghana
3.1 Introduction

An important insect pest that has been a major impediment to crop production in
several parts of Africa including Ghana is the African armyworm, the caterpillar or
larval stage of the moth species of the genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
The term armyworm is based on the ability of the caterpillars to march in large
numbers in their gregarious phase, reminiscent of an army, in search of new host
plants to feed on after they have consumed their immediate food supply in a field they
have invaded. Armyworms are pests of graminae, which includes cereals and grasses,
including pasture. Attack is usually on foliage and can lead to a total destruction of a
field within minutes, especially at high caterpillar density. The greatest damage is
caused by the 5th to 6th larval instars. It has been estimated that at a daily leaf
consumption rate of 200mg and a larval density of 28 m", an infestation covering an
area of 65 km2 could comprise of a larval population of 1.8x 10 9 capable of
consuming 50 tonnes of food, equivalent to the feeding of 8,000 cattle (Odiyo, 1979).
Jonssen (1993) also estimated that at a larval density of 100 m-2 covering an area of
20,000 km", 5 million tonnes of green vegetation could be consumed. Such
devastation has been known to affect many African countries, resulting in heavy
economic losses (Lambert, 1989).

3.2 Armyworm infestations in Ghana.

Records of Armyworm infestations in Ghana over the years have resulted in heavy
economic losses to farmers. Between 1937 and 2006 for which some records have
been compiled in Ghana, 63 regional armyworm outbreaks have been reported (see
Figs D2, D3) with the highest frequencies in the three northen, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo
and the Eastern regions. The highest frequencies appear to have been recorded over
the last seven years and suggest greater awareness of armyworm outbreaks than
previous years. The
188

most recent outbreak in Ghana (2006) covered five regions and information gathered not
only identified specific locations of the incidence but also area covered/destroyed as
well
as cost of control (see Table D2).

Table D2: Armyworm outbreak areas of 2006 by Region

Activity/ region
Total

ASHANTI

BR.AHAFO

EASTERN

VOLTA

NORTHERN

area 2,504.12

5,861.80

905.60

3,828.2

238.00

crop 2,00.30

5,534.30

618.30

2,768.4

116.30

of 500.82

341.00

171.60

411.6

171.60

crop 1,602.64

5,534.3

572.40

2,531.3

116.00

of 400.66

425.00

109.60

248.6

30.00

crop 320.00

523.20

56.70

502.4

215.0

9.0%

14.10%

15%

39.00

96.40

168.8

affected
Area

of

infested
Area
rangeland
infested
Area

of

controlled
Area
rangeland
controlled
Area

of

destroyed
Area

of 25.04

rangeland
destroyed
Crop

yield 15%

reduction
expected
Area replanted

32.00

Source: Vesper Suglo (2006)

189

3.3 Armyworm Control in Ghana.

While insecticides use have been the first option for outbreaks over the years, attempts
are now being directed to surveillance and monitoring using light traps, pheromone traps
etc so that outbreaks can be predicted and appropriate action taken ahead of their
occurrence. This is especially important as records so far have shown that the incidences
occur between June and October.

190

FigD2
Years of Armyworm Outbreaks in the Regions of Ghana 1937-1989
GHANA -Years of Annyworm outbreaks (19371989)

Fig. D3
Outbreaks of Armyworm from 1991 2006

19.

GHANA Outbreaks of Annyworm (1991

2006)

10

~31

50 Kilometers

192

4.0 Grasshoppers/Locusts
4.1 Introduction

Among the insect pests, locusts and grasshoppers are perhaps the most dreaded. In
Ghana (and in West Africa in general) our worst enemies among these are the Desert
Locust (Schistocerca spp.) and the variegated grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus).

4.2 The Locust

The locust is the most destructive in the group, as far as humans are concerned. The fear
of locust invasions is due to two peculiarities: they appear in gregarious and solitary
forms; they tend to affect large areas at the same time and their diet includes a large
variety of crops, thus capable of razing a whole area totally within hours of their
appearance. The solitary locusts can double its weight, devouring its own weight of food
each day. It becomes gregarious when it joins others in a high density swarm and eat
everything green along its path. There are reports that a swarm can measure 20km long
and Skm wide (ie about 10,000 ha) and would comprise of five trillion individuals and
devour within a day 10,000 tonnes of vegetation (equivalent to food that can feed
thousands of people and hundreds of livestock). In 2004 swarms of locusts invading
North and West Africa left 60% of Mauritania's population of 400,000 people needing
food aid. F AO reported that about 6.Smillion hectares (16million acres) of farmland in
north-western Africa and the sahel region were affected by August 2004.

Distribution and ecology of plague populations

The total distribution area of Schistocerca spp. extends over about 29 km2 of Africa and
South-Western Asia (Fig D4). Although records available show that Ghana lies outside
the main breeding areas of Schistocerca, a considerable portion lies within the invasion
areas.

193

4.3 Historical Records of Locust Invasion In Ghana

Holger Weiss (2004) has made a study of historical records of locust invasions in Ghana.
The first mention of locust invasion was in 1923 when it was recorded that in January
and
February locusts caused much destruction to shea trees in Kusasi District. Farms were
not affected due to the timing of the invasion. For the next five years there was no report
of locust invasion. However in November 1928 Locusts were reported as having caused
some damage in Bole District before crossing the Volta River into the Ivory Coast.
During the next decade, invasions of Locusts were reported almost annually.

In 1929/30, almost all districts in the Northern Province of the then Northern Territories
of Ghana were visited by invading locust swarms. One Provincial Commissioner,
Whittall, in Gambaga described the appearance of the locust as an extraordinary site.
According to him "the swarm was enormous, 12 to 15 miles wide; it took six hours for
the swarm to pass by and go out of sight and resembled a London fog or a cloud of
brown dust being blown along by the wind".

194

Reports of farms destroyed were as follows:

District

No. of farms destroyed

Lawra (town)

900

Lawra Division

1170

Nandom

630

Sabule

32

Karui

82

Zini (3 villages)

All

Others in Zine

47

Hain

33

Lambussie

All

Elsewhere near Lambussie

33

Tumuarea

577

The Southern Province of the Northern Territories was also hit by swarms around
OctoberlNovember 1929. Between October 1929 and 11th November, 1929 there were
three (3) swarms, one of which was described as "7 miles wide and 24 miles deep" hit
Bole area. By the end of April 1930 Tumu, Wa and Banda Nkwanta had all reported
InVaSIOns.
Locust invasion continued every year until April 1939 when the last invasion of
migratory Locusts was noticed and reported by colonial officials. The period 1928 to
1939 is referred to as the decade of Locust invasion.

Quantitative records of damage to crops and resultant effects of locust invasions are
lacking. However Holger Weiss gave an indication that in 1929, 1930 and 1934 when
195

locust invasions took place there were food shortages and localized famine in the
Northern regions. A survey of research literature on famines and environmental stress in
Africa during the 1930s reveals that locust invasions were a major problem in the
Western, Eastern and Southern Africa. There were famines in many countries in Africa
during the decade. The famine in the Northern Territories of Ghana in 1929 was serious
enough to warrant the setting up of a Food Control Board and the prohibition of export of
foodstuffs from the affected areas. In 1929 the government spent sixty thousand pounds

(60,000) on famine relief and fifty-five thousand pounds (55,000) on anti-locust

campaigns.

There appears to be no further records of locust invasions in Ghana after 1939. There are
however, reports of invasion in the Sahel savannah areas of the West Africa in recent
years. In 2004, for example, ten (10) countries in West Africa were invaded by locusts,
the largest invasion in fifteen (15) years. This invasion came as close as Burkina Faso, it
did not reach Ghana.
The northern regions of Ghana can therefore be considered vulnerable to Locust
invasions (Fig D4).

4.4 Grasshoppers in Ghana

The incidence of variegated grasshoppers (Zonocerus variegatus) has been recorded in
Ghana over several years. Records of outbreaks available date back from 1982. Records
of damage are scanty and do not cover all locations. However, records from the few areas
available show how devastating invasions can be. For example, in 1988, about 6625ha of
farmlands were invaded on a variety of crops in Ashanti region, 545ha of which were
totally destroyed. Invasions occurred subsequently every year from 1988 to 1995 in
Ashanti region with considerable damage to crops (see Fig. D5 and Appendix).

196

4.5 Conclusion and Recommendation

The records of devastation of farms and of famine in 1929,1930, 1934 are indications
of what danger the nation can be exposed to in case of locust invasion. This also
applies to grasshopper outbreaks.

MOP A and NADMO must keep watchful eyes on the regions susceptible to invasion
by these pests and in collaboration with the other West African countries monitor the
breeding and movement of swarms of locusts for our mutual benefit.

197

20.

FigD4
Invasion Areas of Schistocerca in Africa and South West Asia

so-

r:

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;

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.ao

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20

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2000
30

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go

198

Fig. DS
Outbreak of Variegated Grasshopper 1988-2004

21.

GHANA - Outbreak of Variegated Grasshopper (1998 - 2004)

50 Kilometers

~~

199

5.0 Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease (Or Coconut Lethal Yellowing Disease)
5.1 Introduction

Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) of Coconut also called Lethal Yellowing Disease is
the most destructive disease affecting coconut cultivation in Ghana. Typical symptoms of
attack include premature dropping of nuts; blackening/necrosis of the tips of spikelets in
the inflorescence; profuse yellowing and eventual browning of the leaves and finally the
toppling over of the crown, resulting in the characteristic telegraph pole appearance of the
dead palm (see Fig.D6).

Fig. D6 Characteristic telegraph pole appearance of dead palms

200

The disease is reported to have first appeared in Ghana in a grove at Cape S1. Paul in the
Volta Region in 1932 and later at Cape Three Points in the Western Region of Ghana,
some 450 km in 1964 (see Fig. D7). It is estimated that the period between initial
appearance of symptoms and death ranges from 3 to 10 months. The disease is thought to
be caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by an insect of the Genus Myndus
(Homoptera:Cixiidae ).

FigD7
SPREAD OF CAPE ST. PAUL VVlL T DISEASE IN WESTERN & CENTRAL REGIONS OF GHANA
AND COCONUT TREES LOST TO CAPE ST. PAUL WILT DISEASE IN FIGURES

+
1.05m - 1.12m
,,1964 - 2006)

, I

0.60m - O.64m
(1984 - 2006)
ACCRA

'"
M"'
~'
."

~
GO"Jd

156:5

azn
MP OOAST

201

5.2 Economic consequences of CSPWD

The disease has wiped out the coconut industry in the Volta Region and also about
5500
ha of coconut palms in the Western and Central Regions. This has resulted in serious
economic hardship to farmers and has demoralized many in the coconut business.
Table
D3 provides information on the extent of losses experienced by coconut farmers
nationwide between 1960 and 1995.

Table D3. Coconut production and losses due to CSPWD (1960-1995)

Year

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

Area

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

Total

22,00

31,000

38,000

40,000

42,000

45,000

45,000

42,000

productio

Yield! ha 90,00

126,00

162,00

179,50

164,70

144,00

110,70

102,00

(t)

CSPWD

6.0

6.0

6.0

5.1

4.3

3.6

2.7

2.7

35

300

901

2,050

5,600

0.1

0.8

0.7

2.0

4.6

13.1

cultivated

affected
area (ha.)
% Loss

Further details of disease incidence in different locations and number of trees lost
over specific periods are provided in Table D4.

202

Table D4. No. of trees destroyed by CSPWD on regional basis

REGION

NO OF TREES LOST

VOLTA

900,000-960,000

CENTRAL

600,000-640,000

WESTERN

1,050,000-1,120,000

5.3 Management of the Disease.

Attempts made by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture since the 1980s have involved
programmes to develop coconut varieties tolerant to the disease under a France-GhanaCote d'Ivoire Coconut Project in 1981 and investigations into the vectors of the disease
from 1992 - 1993 under the Oil Palm II Project (CR 1498 Ghana) and an EC STD
project
to complement and reinforce the earlier projects undertaken. Current studies are on the
same themes and it is hoped that these will help restore the coconut business along the
sandy coasts of Ghana.

203

6.0 Invasive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera invadens)

6.1 Introduction
A new invasive fruit fly, believed to have originated from Asia and detected in Kenya in
2003, is found to have spread across topical Africa. This pest was identified in Ghana in
2005. It has been found on many crops including horticultural crops (mango, citrus) of
potential export value.

Mango production is a young industry with a very high potential as an export crop.
However it has been reported recently that some mangoes exported from Ghana, have
been rejected by South Africa due to infestation of this pest. Infestation just before fruit
harvest can go unnoticed by the untrained eye until it reaches the intended export market.

6.2 Invasive Fruit Fly in Ghana

A survey conducted in three regions in 2005 by the University of Ghana and five regions
in 2006 by the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of the Ministry of
Food and Agriculture showed that the pest is widespread (see Fig DS) and the population
is also very high (see also Appendix).

All efforts must be made to find suitable control to save the mango and citrus industries
in the country.

204


FigDS
Spread of Bactrocera invadens
GHANA - Spread of Bactrocera Invadens
(2005/2006)

~n!lity (15 km ee
e reh r~diu!!)

205

7.0 Blackpod of Cocoa Caused by Phytophthora Megakarya

7.1 Introduction
The Phytophthora megakarya epidemic was first recorded in Ghana in 1984 in the
Akomadan area ofthe Ashanti Region. It spread over an estimated area of 16,000ha at an
estimated rate of about 3.2km1yr, and caused an estimated loss of cocoa production of
366 MT (i.e. from 447 in 1983/84 to 61 in 1984/85) in one year alone in the Akomadan
area. The loss on individual farms ranged from 60% on a newly affected farm to 100%
on an old affected farm. Massive mobilization and control began in 1985 and involved
the use of several tonnes of the fungicide Coacobre (Cuprous oxide). Many spraying
gangs using pneumatic sprayers were formed to carry out the control. The cost of the
control, including fungicides, sprayers, labour and logistics, is estimated at several
million cedis.

7.2 Effect on cocoa production in Akomadan area.

Sharp decline in cocoa production. Within a one year of detection production

dropped by over 86%.

The pathogen did not only attack pods but the tree trunk causing multiple stern
canker and death of several trees.

Several cocoa farms were either neglected or abandoned.

Currently, there is very little cocoa production in the Akomadan area.

206

7.3 Effect on Socio-economic life of the people in Akomadan area

The occurrence of P. megakarya has impoverished many cocoa farmers, particularly

the aged, in the Akomadan area.

Farmers now rely on their annual crops (tomato, maize) with no guaranteed
pnces.

Unemployment has risen.

Rural urban migration has also gone up.

7.4 National Survey of P. megakarya spread

Since 1993, annual surveys have been carried out to study the possible spread of the
disease. Subsequently, the disease has been found in the many cocoa growing areas in
the country (see Fig.D9). Currently the fungus has been found in all regions. In Volta,
Brong Ahafo, northern Ashanti and northern Western Regions P. megakarya seems to
have ousted the P. palmivora completely

Nearly 50% of the cocoa area is affected with P. megakarya and the pathogen is still
spreading. (Fig D 1 0) It is only a matter of time before the entire cocoa growing area is
covered with P. megakarya.

7.5 Disaster risk Reduction

Once infected the fungus becomes endemic in the area because it remains in the soil
ready for reinfection when the environment becomes conducive. To reduce the risk of
reaching an epidemic level such as occurred in Akomadan area in the 1980s, a
prophylactic annual spraying of all cocoa in all areas where the disease is found must
be carried out.

207

Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) has mounted a strict surveillance in all
cocoa growing areas of the country in order to detect any occurrence in any new area
and for prophylactic control to be put in place.

The government of Ghana has introduced a free prophylactic annual spraying of all
cocoa in areas where the disease has been found. The government has spent 300-400
billion cedis annually in the control of the disease from 2001 to 2007. The CRIG must
search for and breed cocoa varieties that might be resistant to the fungus (P. megakarya)

208

FIGD9
Spread of P. megakarya 1984-2006

GHANA Spread of P. Megakarya (1984 2006)

1
0

9
50 Kilometers

Lo1.:!Jo1.:nd

~=:::::3
loAo!:9!1larlll(J(MI(ln

".4


Fig D10

Distribution of P. megakarya 19902006

GHANA - The Distribution of P.megakarya (19902006)

Legend

Reg ion al capital

Sam e Towns

c=:J

National Boundry
Regional boundry

i.Lake
P-megakarya 1990-2006

P. m eg ak arya areas only

P. m eg ek arya & P elnlvor e areas
Palnivora areas only

210

8.0 African Swine Fever

8.1 Introduction

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a dreaded epidemic disease of pigs. It is dangerous

because of its highly infectious nature, variety of means of spreading, high morbidity
and mortality rates and the lack of specific treatment or vaccine. It is caused by a DNA
virus formerly classified as an iridovirus but has recently been reclassified into a newly
created family of viruses called Asfarviridae (a name derived from "African Swine
Fever And Related Viruses").

Transmission
ASF is subclinically endemic in warthogs in parts of southern and eastern Africa.
Biting soft-bodied ornithodoros ticks spread the virus from warthogs to domestic pigs.
Further spread is by pig to pig contact, mechanical carriage by humans or equipment,
contaminated injection needles, ticks (and other biting insects) or uncooked swill.

One or more of the different forms of ASF that follow an incubation period of 5-15
days are chronic, subacute, acute or peracute.

Control
Since there IS no effective treatment or vaccine for ASF, it is important that during
outbreaks, infected herds are slaughtered rapidly and carcasses and litter disposed of
effectively. Pens and equipment must also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
before re-stocking. Designation of infected zones around outbreaks into and out of
which pig movements are banned or controlled is usual. A continuous surveillance
operation is key to the identification of infected herds. That must be combined with
tracing and testing of all contacts with infected herds.
211

8.2 ASF In Ghana

ASF was recorded in Ghana for the first time in September 1999. The outbreaks
occurred in the Volta Region and Greater Accra Region. It is believed that the virus
was introduced into the country from neighbouring countries that had experienced
outbreaks in 1996 and 1997. Stamping out measures were instituted, followed by
intensified surveillance activities to eradicate the disease. A sentinelization exercise
which ended in September 2000 led to the declaration in October 2000 by the
Government of freedom from ASF disease and infection. However, the uncontrolled
movement of people across the frontiers of the country to and from neighbouring
countries and the custom of some clans in Ghana of reporting with parcels of pork
from funerals they attend led to the re- introduction of the disease into the country in
2004. Since then, ASF has become endemic in Ghana. (see Fig. D11)

Although all the regions in the country can experience the disease, available data so far
indicates that Western region seem to have been spared the agony of its occurrence.
The total number of pigs affected by ASF in the country since it was first recorded in
1999 to July 2007 is 3,114. It is possible that quite a number of cases may have
happened unrecorded. Although ASF was first recorded in Ghana in the south eastern
parts of the country, recent occurrences have shifted with the focus now in the Ashanti
and Upper West regions. The infections in the Ashanti region where pigs are kept
intensively may be attributed to the movement of farm staff and personnel from one
farm to the other and the non-adherence to biosecurity measures while those in the
Upper West region may be attributable to the free range keeping of the pigs.

212

Fig Dll
Outbreak of African Swine Fever from 1999-2007
GHANA - Outbreak of African Swine fever (19992007)
o

10

213

Available records of numbers of ASF affected pigs in Ghana up till July 2007 show
greater Accra with the highest percentage (40.24%) followed by Upper East (19.30%)
(Fig. D 12). Although no official reports have been recorded in the Western and Eastern
regions, it is believed that some cases have either gone unnoticed or without the
necessary recording.

Fig. D12. Percent occurence of ASF by region

% a ffe c te d pig s by re 9 io n
50.00
40.00
30.00
~

20.00
10.00

o
.00

(1999 -July 2007)

GA

CR

VR

UE

BA

NR

UW

AR

WR

ER

8.3 Recommendation

There is the need for constant education on the mode of transmission of the virus. The
issue of biosecurity should be taken seriously by pig farmers so as to prevent infections
into or out of their farms. The custom of using pork by some clans when reporting from
funerals they had attended could be modified with the use of other forms of meat, for
example beef, mutton or chevon. Major surveillance operations and strict border controls
ought to be effected.

214

9.0 Anthrax

9.1 Introduction

It is an acute infectious disease that affects all warm-blooded animals and man. It is
caused by a spore forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Infected animals may be
feverish, excitable and later depressed. Rapid respiration and swellings around the body,
especially the neck region may be observed. Milk secretion may turn bloody or cease
completely. Bloody discharge from body openings and sudden death may occur.

Control

All carcasses and contaminated material should be burned completely or buried deeply
and covered with quick lime preferably on the spot. Vaccinate all exposed but healthy
animals. In infected areas, yearly vaccination should be practiced.

9.2 Anthrax in Ghana

Recorded occurrences of anthrax in Ghana dates as far back as the time of creation of
veterinary services in the country. Over the years, it has devastated herds and flocks and
caused mortalities in human beings.

Recent (from 1981) available data on outbreaks of anthrax shows that it has occurred in
all the regions and ecological zones of Ghana. That, not withstanding, its occurrence in
the Upper East, Upper West, Northern and Volta regions seems to be recorded
consistently year after year whilst the Central, Western and Ashanti regions hardly
encounter outbreaks (Fig. D13).

215


Fig D13

Anthrax Incidence 19812007

GHANA - Anthrax incidence (1981

20070
o

216

L~~ ~

ne

From 1997 till May 2007, a minimum of 63 outbreaks of anthrax occurred and were
recorded in the country. This affected 549 animals and resulted in the death of 308 of
them. Twenty five (39.68% ) of these cases occurred in the Upper East region alone with
19 (30.16%) occurring in the Northern region. Volta region recorded 12 (19.05%) ofthe
cases while the Eastern and Greater Accra regions each recorded 1 (1.59%) case. (See Fig
D14)

Fig D14. Regional distribution of Anthrax outbreaks

Anthrax cases (1997M ay 2007)

IiiJ U E
l1li N R

OUW
[!J V R
l1li G A

o ER

Corresponding to the high number of cases in the Upper East and Northern regions were
the animal mortality figures resulting therefrom. 37.34% (115) and 30.52% (94) of the
animal mortalities were recorded in the Upper East and Northern regions respectively.
Although only 7.94% of the cases were recorded in the Upper West region, it resulted in
14.29% of the animal mortalities, almost equal to the mortalities in Volta region
(15.26%) which had 19.05% of the anthrax cases. (See Fig D15 ) This seems to reflect
the weak capacity of the Upper West region in handling anthrax cases in a prompt and
decisive manner.

217

Fig D15 Animal mortality due to Anthrax

Anim al mortality (1997M ay 2007)

lliI U E
l1li NR

ouw
lliI V R
l1li G A

o ER

Comparing mortalities by species over the same period (1997 -May 2007), available data
show that cattle are the hardest hit, recording as much as 74.35% of the total mortalities
followed by goats and sheep with a distant 15.91 % and 6.49% respectively. 2.92% of the
mortalities were pigs while 0.32% was donkeys. Incidentally, no dog was reported dead
as a result of anthrax infection. (See Fig D 16 )

Fig D16 Animal species affected by anthrax

% Anthrax mortalities by species

(1997 -May 2007)
80
70
60
50
~40

30

tasheep
II1II 9 0 a ts

c
attle

20

ig s

dog s

tadonkeys

218

9.3 Human cases

Records available at the Epidemiology Unit of the Korle-bu Teaching hospital show
that from 1998 to the end of 2006, a total of 287 reported and confirmed human anthrax
cases were recorded at various health institutions nationwide. These came from the
Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Volta and Greater Accra regions. A total of 31
deaths out of the 287 cases were recorded. Significantly, all the deaths came from the
three northernmost regions of the country.

9.4 Conclusion and recommendation

Anthrax being one of the zoonotic diseases (ie. Affects livestock as well as man),
surveillance and prompt control are important. Intensive education of the citizenry,
especially in the three northern regions, must be carried out

219


Fig D17
Anthrax Infection in Humans 19982006

GHANA Anthrax infections in humans

(19982006)

"
UPPER
WEST
REGIO
N
\.rl1-Ll.l,n,=;==r=i="F=lL,f~--~-10(0_C,",----_C_~_C~--;------f"-_~_-_~_---_C+'0
90
80

70
60
50
40
30

20
10

O~~~~~~~~~~~;
o

s: g

220

10.3 Control

The most important control measures are rapid culling of all infected or exposed birds,
proper disposal of carcasses, the quarantining and rigorous disinfection of farms, and
the implementation of strict sanitary (biosecurity) measures. Restrictions on the
movement of poultry and poultry products both within and between countries are
another important control measure.

Control is far more difficult under poultry production systems (as in Ghana) in which
most birds are raised in small backyard flocks scattered throughout rural or peri-urban
areas, as against large commercial farms where birds are housed indoors usually under
strict controlled sanitary conditions.

Predisposing factors
Apart from being difficult to control, outbreaks in backyard flocks are associated with
a heightened risk of human exposure and infection. Poverty exacerbates the problem:
in situations where a prime source of food and income cannot be wasted, households
frequently consume poultry when deaths or signs of illness appear in flocks. This
practice carries a high risk of exposure to the virus during slaughtering, defeathering,
butchering and preparation of poultry meat for cooking.

Scientists are increasingly convinced that at least some migratory waterfowl are now
carrying the H5Nl virus in its highly pathogenic form. The death of more than 6000
migratory birds infected with the highly pathogenic H5Nl virus that began at the
Qinghai lake nature reserve in central China in late April 2005 has strengthened this
conviction. Since bird migration is a recurring event, countries that lie along the flight
pathways of birds migrating from central Asia may face a persistent risk of
introduction or re- introduction of the virus to domestic poultry flocks.

222

10.4 Avians influenza in Ghana

Although neighbouring countries like Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria had earlier encountered
the Avian Influenza virus, it wasn't until 14th April 2007 that Ghana reported its' first
confirmed case of the disease at Kakasunanka, a location in the Tema Municipality. A
few other confirmed cases (four) were also reported in the same municipality before
isolated cases (one each) occurred in the Sunyani municipality of the Brong-Ahafo region
and the last on 13th June 2007 at Aflao in the Ketu district of the Volta region (Fig. D18)

Significantly, the occurrences in the country did not result in any human infection.
However, it ended with the death of 13,331 poultry of different species and the
destruction of a total of 23,556 poultry. The compensation package that was put in place
led to poultry farmers volunteering for the seromonitoring of their flocks.

10.5 Recommendation

There is the need to put surveillance on the areas around wet lands since these areas are
visited by migratory birds that might be carriers of avian influenza viruses. A continuous
surveillance mechanism put in place must also cover all other parts of the country,
especially where the poultry industry is concentrated.

The need to build the capacity of the Central Veterinary laboratory to be able to rapidly
test samples for confirmation or otherwise of Avian Influenza instead of waiting for
information on samples sent outside the country for the same purpose cannot be over
emphasized. This would enable necessary actions to be triggered without delay. Efforts
must also be made to reduce the poverty levels in the country since poverty causes some
people to consume infected birds instead of disposing of them. Furthermore, there is the
need for a continuous surveillance mechanism to be operational.

223


Fig DI8
Incidence of Avian Influenza
GHANA -Incidence of Avian Influenza (2007)

W
+
E

Legen d

Avian flu

E::::::::===='i50 Kilometers

224

11.0 Conclusion

The objective of this study has been to gather data on pest & insect incidence in Ghana
and prepare hazard maps for the country. The study identified the following as
constituting the major pests and diseases that threaten the social and economic well being
of the people in the country:
1. Larger Grain Borer
2. Armyworm
3. grasshoppers/Locusts
4. Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease
5. Invasive Fruitfly
6. Blackpod Disease of Cocoa
7. African Swine Fever

8. Anthrax and
9. Avian Influenza
The occurrence, spread and magnitude of these hazards suggest that if no satisfactory
measures are taken to prevent or minimize their occurrence the consequences of these
pests and diseases on Ghanaians can be disastrous.

The study has led to recommendations for various hazards that need to be addressed.
Further in-depth studies need to be carried out to understand more fully the impact of
some of these hazards to gain better insight into them. For example, vulnerability
assessment needs to be carried out for every disaster in every region/district. This will
involve scientific studies and research on the hazards and how they develop into into
disasters.

The study also revealed that generally, record keeping and data retrieval were poor and
this study will encourage better record keeping. Formats developed by this team to
compile data for this study may form the basis for future record keeping.

225

.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following persons in the CSIR, MOF A and CRIG assisted in the collection of data

1. Dr. S.K. Dery

2. Mr. R. N. Quaicoe

- Co-ordinator, Coconut Research, OPRI, CSIR

- Molecular Biologist, Coconut Research, OPRI,

CSIR

3. Mr. J. Nkansah - Poku

4. Mr. Alfred Adzomani

5. Mr. G. Badu- Yeboah

- Entomologist, Coconut Research, OPRI, CSIR

- District Director, MOF A, J asikan.

- Regional Director, MOF A, Ashanti Region.

6. Ms. Felicia Akowua

-Animal Production Officer, MOF A, Ashanti
Region.
7. Mr. Owusu Ansah Yeboah Asante
-PPRSD Officer, Ashanti Rgion.
8. Dr. Dickson Dei

-Principal Veterinary Officer, Kumasi Metropolis

9. Mr. Asante - Krobea

-Region al Director, MOF A, Brong Ahafo Region

10. Dr. Oppong Yeboah

- Deputy Director, Municipal Veterinary Officer,

MOF A, Brong - Ahafo.

11. Mr. Charles Ghanney

- Principal Animal Health Officer, Sunyani

12. Mr. A.R. Z. Salifu

- Regional Extension Officer, Bolgatanga

226

13. Dr. Thomas Anyorikeya

- Regional Veterinary Officer, Bolgatanga

14. Mr. Ahmed Tijani

- Regional Agric. Officer (crops), Northern Region

15. Mr. Peter Kapochina

- Regional Agric. Officer (PPRSD), Northern Region

16. Mr. fuseini Haruna Andan

- Post Harvest Officer, Northern Region

17. Mr. M. H. Addah

- Dep. Regional Director of Agric., Northern Region

18. Mr. S. A. Adongo

- Regional director of Agric., Northern region

19. Dr. Karikari Agyemang

- Regional Veterinary Officer, Northern Region

20. Yakubu 1. Sheref

- Regional SRlD Officer, Northern Region

21. Dr. Y. Opoku

22. Mr. Vespa Suglo

23. Paa K wesi Entsi

24. Mr. Ametefe

- Head, Pathology Division, CRIG

- Director, PPRSD, Accra

- PPRSD, Accra

- Regional Director of Agric., Volta Region

- District Agric. Director, Jasikan

25. Mr. Alfred Adzomani
- District Agric. Officer (Animal Production)
26. Mr. William Afari
- Veterinary Technical Officer, Kadjebi
27. Mr. Ntiamoah-Biney

- Veterinary Technical Officer, Kadjebi

28. Mr. Emmanuel Eteba

227

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Institute of Biological Control, 177-182. Ascot, Berks, UK

229

Soglo Vesper (2006) Unpublished report on armyworm outbreaks in Ghana

Weiss H. (20040 Locust invasion in Colonial Northern Ghana. WOPAG Working Paper
on Ghana: History and Contemporary Studies 3, 59pp.
Walolf, Z (1966) The upsurges and recessions ofthe Desert Locust plague: an historical
survey. Anti-locust Mem. no. 8: l l l pp

230

APENDIX Dl

Historical records of outbreaks of pests and insect infestation disasters

ARMYWOR
M
INFESTATI
ONS IN
GHANA

Disaster
type

1937-2006

Total
area
affected
(Ha)

year of
occurren
ce
1937

Region
Eastern

1950

Western

1975

Ashanti

1977

Eastern
Volta

1978

Ashanti

1980

Ashanti
Northern

Maize

1981

Northern

Maize

1982

Ashanti
Northern

Maize
Maize

District

Location

No. of
farmers
affected

crops
affected

Acreage
affected
(Ha)

3ha.

Acreage
lost (Ha)

Acreage
controlle
d (Ha)

cost of
control
(GH)

Estimate
d
economic
loss
(GH)

1983

Eastern
Brong
Ahafo
Northern

Maize
Rice
Maize

1984

Ashanti
Northern

Maize
Maize

1985

Northern

Maize

1986

Brong
Ahafo
Northern

Maize

1987

Ashanti
Brong
Ahafo
Eastern
Northern
Upper(E&
W)

Western
1988

6ha.

78ha.

Maize
Maize
Maize
Millet
Rice
Sorqhum
Rice

Ashanti
Sorqhum
Maize
Rice

10,OOOha.

190ha
168ha
8353ha

APPENDICES

qrass
Brong
Ahafo
Eastern
Northern
Upper
East
Volta
Western
1989

1991

Maize
Maize
Millet
Maize
qrass

Ashanti
Brong
Ahafo
Eastern
Northern
Upper
East

Ashanti

195ha.

545ha.
0.2ha
224ha

Maize
Maize

Ejuraseky
ere
Eiura
Sekyere
West
Adidwan

Brong
Ahafo
Gt.Accra
Upper
East
Volta

1.0ha.
207ha.

Maize

170

170

Maize

18

18

20

20

64ha.
40ha.
Millet
Maize

350ha
90ha.

Ejuraseky
1992

Ashanti

ere

Maize

Ejura

1993

1994

Ashanti

Ashanti

Northern

SekyereW
est
Bosomky
ekve
Ejuraseky
ere
Ejura
Ejuraseky
ere
Eiura
Ejuraseky
ere
Ejura
Karaqa

Gaa

Maize

15

15

Maize

100

100

Maize

124

124

Maize

154

154

14.8

25

Rice

14.8

14.8

94.8
27

50
23

Rice,Maiz
Maize

94.8
27

94.8
27

17.8

16

Maize

17.8

17.8

Maize,Ric
e

67.6

67.6

Tolan
Kunbumg

Nyankpal

u
Vendi

a
Kugbegu
Vendi
A/strip
Pong,Mog
laa,
Kpali.,Ye
mo.,Dand.

Savelung
u/

1995
1996

67.6

Ashanti

Nanton
Ejuraseky
ere
Eiura

Maize

20

20

Ashanti

Ejuraseky
ere
Ejura

Maize

320

120

Ejuraseky
ere
Eiura

Maize

200

200

1997

Ashanti

Ejuraseky
ere
Eiura

1998

Gt. Accra

Accra
Metro

1999

Brong
Ahafo
Upper
West

Upper
East
Northern

Nkoranza
Wenchi

Maize

Nungua

320

Paddocks

Kranka

12.5

Maize

Gushegu

154

Karaqa
Zabzugu
Tatale

Karaqa
Zabzugu

196
160

Rice
Rice,Maiz
e
Maize

Vendi
Bimbila
Tolon

Vendi
Bimbila
Tolon

345
150
40

Kumbumg

Kumbumg

u
W.Mampr

u
Walewale

80
130

Wa
Nadowli
Lawra
Jirapa
Lambushi
Sissala
Bawku
East
Gushequ

340

2.4

10.1

GHC 120

154

154

222.18

196
160

196
160

353.82
459

Maize,Ric
e 345
Maize.
Rice

345
150
40

345
150
40

576
459
104.5

Maize
Maize,sor

80
130

80
130

284.5
477

usi
E.Mampru
si
Saboba
Cheriponi
Nanumba
N.
Nanumba
S.
Cent.
Gonja
W.Mampr
usi
E.Mampru
si
Bole
Saboba
Cheriponi

2001

~
East

Bawku
East
Bawku
West

9
Garnbaqa

150

Maize

150

150

477

Cherip[oni

120

Maiz.sorq

120

120

432

Bakpaba

437

Magori
BaQzua

Maize
Sorqhum

742.4

241

Widraba
Temonde
TanQa
Yariqa
Sambulun
gu valley

Millet
Rice
Grass
Pasture

Wulensi

63

Yapei
Sankpala

317
821

Garnbaqa

433

Walewale
Bole

63
2602

Saboba

132

2002

Upper
East

Kassena
Nankane
Builsa

Takiena
Dominqa
Wiaqa
Sandema
Seniansi

Bonqo
Boigatang
a

2003

Gt.Aeera
Northern

2005

Volta

Dangme
West
Adumany
a
Saveluqu
Nanton
Tamale
Metro

N. Tonqu

Ketu

Maize

Nanton

MafiAnfoe
Horkpe
Aklemado
r
Tsawla
Glitame
Dodorkop
e
Loqotome
Hesomato

50

Maiz.Riee
MaURie/s

50

30

30

Maize

42.2

Maize

200

kope
Central

Aqona

Aqona

50

288
189

Asafo
Kwansakr
om
Swesco

Pasture

Nyamend
am

2006

Ashanti

Brong
Ahafo

Northern

Sekyere
West
Ejuraseky
ere
Ejura
Sekyered
umase
As. Akim
N.

Nkoransa
Atebubu
Sunyani
Wenchi
Techiman
Dormaa
Ahenkro
Kintampo
S
Kintampo
N.
West
Gonia
Bole
Tolon

t
Mampong

Maize

1200

1075

Maize

2504

2001

228

40

5861.8
850
53
174.8
750

252
169.2
40
53
24

3520

780
40
160.8
600

42

40

260

254

254

152

139.5

42
22.4
2.8

Maize
KononQo

Atebubu

Darnonqo
Bole
Nyankpal

Maize

6.8/238?
23.6
2.8

Maize
Sorqhum
Rice

7.56MT

600

42
14.4
2.8

21

a
Kumbung
u
grass
Tamale

Tamale

0.8

pitch

North
Volta

Dayi

Vakpo

3828.2

Maize
Rice

South
Dayi

Kpeve

Maize

Hohoe

Maize
Rice

Ketu

Denu

Maize

Ho West

Abutia

Maize

Asuogya
Eastern

man
Akwapim
North
Manya
Krobo
Afram
Plains

905.6

0.8

APENDIX D2
Historical records of outbreaks of pests and insect infestation disasters
Disaster
type

1937-2006

VARIEGATED GRASSHOPPERS

year of
occurrence

Region

District

Location

crops
affected

Area
affected
(Ha)

Area
controlled
(Ha)

Area lost
(Ha)

1988

Ashanti

BAK

Deduako
Piase

cassava
citrus
oil Palm
Pawpaw
vegetables
plantain

6625

4080

545

Brong
Ahafo

Sunyani
Goaso
Berekum
Nkoranza
Techiman
Wenchi
Kintampo
Jaman

1988

Volta
Region

Gonokrom
Vakpo
Kpeve

1989

Ashanti

Atwima Nwabigya

Nkawie

Cassava

Amansei East
Bak
Amansie West
Ahafo-Ano
Adansi North

Bekwai
Deduako, Piase
Manso Nkanta
Kwasiase
Dompoase

Cassava
Vegetable
Plantain
Plantain
Oil Palm

4256

3876

363

1990

Ashanti

Atwima Nwabigya
Atwima Mponua
Ahafo-Ano North
Ahafo Ano South
Offinso

Nkawie
Adiembra
Subriso
Mankransu
Offinso

Plantain
Citrus
Plantain
Vegetable
Vegetable

152
104
134
99
101

96
77
108
71
92

36
28
46
31
34

1991

Ashanti

Atwima Nwabigya
Atwima Mponua
Sekyere East
Ejisu Juaben
Bak

Atwima Agogo
Nyinahin
Effiduasu
Ejisu
Twedie

Vegetable
Plantain
Citrus
Cassava
Cassava

146
136
127
130
84

72
60
30
43
20

19
20
21
21
17

1992

Ashanti

Ashante-Akim North
Ejisu Juaben
Amansie East

Konogo
Ejisu
Bekwai

Cassava
Citrus
Plantain

195
180
178

120
114
108

18
15
16

1993

Ashanti

Brong
Ahafo

Asante-Akim
South
Ahafo-Ano
South
Adansi North

Juaso

plantain

201

119

20

Mankranso

citrus

163

111

17

Dompoase

cassava

142

105

20

Amansie East

Bekwai

122

91

14

Amansie West
BAK
Ahafo-Ano
North
Adansi South
Offinso
Sekyere East
Berekum

Manso- Nkwanta
Akosomo
Maban

cassava,
cowpea
plantain
cassava
plantain

134
142
92

102
93
93

13
9
15

New Edubiase
Offinso
Effiduase

plantain
vegetables
citrus

112
124
131

73
98
71

7
18
6

Tepa

plantain

141

92

Dormaa
Jaman South
Sunyani
Asutifi
Asunafo North
Asunafo South
Tnao South
Tano North
Techiman
Wenchi
Nkoranza

1994

Ashanti

Ahafo-Ano

North
Ejisu Juaben
BAK
Atwima
Nwabiagya
Atwima
Mponua
Obuasi
Adansi South
Adansi East

1995

2002

Ashanti

Northern

Ejisu
Kuntanase
Nerebehi

cassava
vegetables

139
153
162

98
99
102

9
8
9

Adiembra

Oi Palm

123

84

Obuasi
New Edubiase
Bekwai

cassava
plantain
cassava

138
144
120

76
107
88

7
8
10

Offinso
Asante- Akim
North
Amansie West
Atwima
Nwabiagya
Atwima
Mponua
BAK

Asamankama
Agogo

citrus
plantain

142
148

57
48

5
4

Manso Nkwanta
Nkawie

cassava
cassava

209
171

43
88

120
5

Nyinahin

plantain

122

43

50

Piase

cassava

168

59

83

West
Mamprusi

Yagba

nee

183

175

Kubori

nee

240

236

Zulogu
Jimle
Kanville

maize
maize
maize

24
1.2
3.2

24
1.2
3.2

0
0
0

2003

Northern

Gushegu
Yendi
Tamale Metro

2004

Brong

Techiman

Ahafo
Dormaa
Berekum
Jaman South
Sunyani
Asunafo South
Asunafo North
Tano South
Tano North

Gushie
Gushie
Dipale
Dipale
Bole
Bole
Bole

Upper
East

Bolga

0049.503W
949.270N /
051.851 W
949.287N /
0051.825W
947.930N /
0055.487W
947.934N /
0055.890W
901.164N /
228.909W
900.394N /
228.404W

Bolga
Pussiga
Boko

Upper
West

Wa

Wa
Bamahu
Dukpong
Kaleo

Brong

Amponsakrom

10003.929N /
229.394W
959.309N /
228.017W
1 0004.666N /
230.427W
10005.515N /
231.588W
752.210N /

APENDIXD3

FRUIT FLY (BACTROCERA

INVADENS)

Disaster
type
year of
occurrence

Region

District

Location

2006

Ashanti

Adansi North
Afigya sekyere
Ahafo Ano South
Ahafo Ano North
Amansie Central
Amansie East
Amansie West

Asokwa
Embik farms
Mankranso
Subriso
Hemang
Bekwai
MansoNkwanta
Juaso
Samanso
Kuntanase
Achiase
Ejura
Dadiesoaba
Mamponteng
Kyeretaso
Takordi
Wioso
Asikaso
Adjameso
Toase

Asante Akim
Atwima Nwabiagya
BAK
Ejisu Juaben
Ejura Sekyedumasi
KMA
Kwabre
Sekyere West
Atwima Mponua
Ahafo Ano South
Amansie Central
Amansie East
Atwima Nwabiagya

Acreage
affected
(Ha)

Acreage
lost
(Ha)

Ejisu Juaben
Atwima Mponua
Atwima Nwabiagya
Sekyere East
KMA

Donyina
Nyinahin
Nkawie
Wiribontire
C-Hall
Aduwumase
Aduwumase
Aduwumase
Trabuom

year of
occurrence

Region

District

Location

Brong
Ahafo

Atebubu

SanwakyiAtebubu
Jema
Berekum
Drobo
Akyeremade

Kintampo South

Sene
Northern

Tamale
Nabogu
Nabogu

640.552N /
136.74
7W
635.918N
/
144.70
7W
635.904N
/
144.90
4W
635.917N
/
144.75
0W
636.380N
/
145.43
9W
Acreage
affected
(Ha)

945.093N /
0050.04
5W
945.093N
/
0049.51
945.002N
/
9W

Acreage
lost
(Ha)

Ahafo
Wenchi
Kenteng Dada
Frepo
Bakunyaba
Sunyani
year of
occurrence

Region

District

Location

Kobedi
Awaakrom
Kramokrom
Brompia
Bowohumoden
Mangoase
Nimfokrom

1998

Gt. Accra

Accra Metro

Nungua

204.691
W I
745.256N
206.114
W I
736.143N
157.307
W I
735.195N
154.633
W I
720.048N
220.636
W
721.108NI
219.863
W Acreage
affected
(Ha)
721.479N I
214.254
W I
736.287N
204.242
W I
736.937N
204.427
W I
736.982N
205.032
W I
730.639N
205.444
W I
729.724N
206.438
W I
654.916N
153.215
W

Acreage
lost
(Ha)

1999

2001

Brong
Ahafo
Upper
West

Upper
East
Northern
Upper
East

Wa
Nadowli
Lawra
Jirapa
Lambushi
Sissala
Bawku East
BawkuEast
Bawku West

2002

Upper
East

Kassena
Nankare
Builsa
Bongo
Bolgatanga

Magori
Bagzua
Widraba
Temonde
Tanga
Yariga
Sambulungu
valley
Takiena
Dominga
Wiaga
Sandema
Seniansi

APENDIXD4
Historical records of outbreaks of pests and insect infestation disasters
Disaste
r type

AFRICAN
SWINE FEVER

year of
occurre
nee

Regi
on

District

Location

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

28/9/99

GAR

Tema

Ashaiman

437

28/9/99

GAR

AMA

Awoshie

28/9/99

GAR

AMA

Bubuashie

28/9/99

Centr
al
Volta

Ewutu Efutu
Senya
South Tongu

Bawjiasi

2911100

GAR

Dangme East

29/1100

GAR

Dangme East

Okansekop
e
Togbloku

29/1100

GAR

Dangme East

Wasakuse

Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin

Ho

No culled
( destroyed)

Humans

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

18110/9

No
control
led

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH

205

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GHc)
-

No
affect
ed

No
dea
d

479

294

77

70

58

12

103

73

24

20

24

20

GAR

Dangme East

Wayo
Togbloku

Volta

South Tongu

Adzake

Volta

South Tongu

Tove

38234

UER

Bongo

Tongo

2004
2004

UER
UER

Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga

2004
2004
2004

UER
UER
UER

Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga

2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004
2004

UER
UER
UER
UER
UER
UER
UER
UER

Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga
Talensi-Nabdarn
Talensi - N abdam

Tanzui
Daporetind
ongo
Atulbabisi
Bukere
Tindonmol
gQ
Damweo
Soe
Sumbrungu
Yikene
Zuarungu
Zaare
Gorogo
Sepaat

31/1/00
-

e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
swme
swme

98

85

47
-

38
-

75

75

52
39

52
39

swme
swme
swme

45
17
92

45
17
92

swme
swme
swme
swme
swme
swme
swine
swme

61
98
5
8
33
33
33
6

61
98
5
8
33
33
33
6

year of
occurre
nee

Regi
on

Jan-04

Centr
al
BAR

Jan-04
Jan-05
Feb-05

BAR
NR

District

Location

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

No
cost
control of
led
cont
rol
(GH
t}

No culled
(destroyed)

Humans

No
affect
ed

No
dea
d

Ewutu Efutu
Senya
Asunafo

Winneba

Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin

Jaman
--

Tamale

Feb-05

NR

Tamale

Feb-05

NR

W. Mamprusi

25/2/05
25/2/05
28/2/05
Feb-05
Feb-05

UW
R
UW
R
UW
R
UW
R
UW

Sankore,
Marfokrom
Dwenem
ChogguYapalsi
sanengu

Wa Municipal

Mamprusi
town
Bamahu

Wa Municipal

Kpankole

Wa Municipal

Seyiri

Wa Municipal

Sagu

Wa Municipal

Kperisi

103

103

49

10

255

180

37

13

188

188

15
16
51
23

37

13

11

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

4
3
6
36
1
-

Nov-06
31112/0
6
12/01/0
7
25/6/07
28/6/07

2417107
2517107
2517107

R
UW
R
UW
R
UER
Asha
nti
Asha
nti
Asha
nti
Asha
nti
Asha
nti

Jirapa Lambussie

Jirapa

Wa Municipal

Tiergber

Bolgatanga

Kumbosco

Amansie East

Adjemesu

Bosumtwi
Atwima
Kwanwoma
KMA

Dedwesu

Ejisu Juaben
Ahafo Ano South

e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin
e
Swin

12

30

78

78

swme

10

swme

41

33

swme

22

16

AtonsuKuw
ait
Achinakro
m
Asibe
Nkwanta

--

APENDIXDS
Historical records of outbreaks of pests and insect infestation disasters
Disaster
iYIle
year of
occurrenc
e

ANTHRA
X

Region

District

Location

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH
t)

No
culled
(destro
--

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

20/03/07

norther
n
UER

West
Mamprusi
Kasena
Nankana
West
Mamprusi
East
Mamprusi

4/5/07
4/2/07
--

2/4/07

norther
n
norther
n

Katigri
Venania
Kpatorigu
Bunbuna-Nasuan

11104/06

volta
norther
n
norther
n

Hohoe
Yendi

hohoe
Sang

Savelugu
Nanton

Pong Tamale

swme
bovin
e
sheep

30/8/06
29/5/06

1
8

1
8

09/06/06

volta

05/06/06

UWR

02/04/06

2006

norther
n
UER

2006

UER

2006

UER

North
Tongu
Jirapa
Lambussie
Bole

Juapong

swme

Koro

Garu

Dusbuliga

Bawku
West
Talensi
Nabdam

Tanga

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

Gbiniyri

Gare

2005

UER

Bawku
East

Kaadi

bovin
e

11104/04

UER

2004

UER

Bawku
East
Bolgatang
a

Kaadi
Soe

UER

2003

UER

Bolgatang
a
Bawku
East

2003

bovin
e
bovin

Region

District

Daporetindongo

sheep

Binduri

bovin
e

2
-

Location

Speci
e of
anim
al

No.
of
anim
als

No
dea
d

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol

year of
occurrenc
e

No
culled
-(destro
IT!tl

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic

affect
ed

affect
ed
-

(GH

loss

(GH)

Cas
es

No.
Dea

2002
2002

UER
UER

Bongo
Garu

Bongo
Bariboka

swme
bovin
e
sheep
donk
D:
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

2
7

2
7

2
1

2
1

2002

UER

Manga

2002

UER

2002

UER

Bawku
East
Kassena
Nankana
Kassena
Nankana

Gognia
Mirigu

2001

UER

Bolgatang
a

Balungu

bovin
e

UWR

3/1/99

UER

3/1/99

UER

3/1/99

UER

Lawra
Bongo

Nayorigo

Builsa

Balansa

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin

Oaporitindongo

e
bovin

--

Kokoligu

4/1/99

63

--

Frafra

2/1/99

ER

--

2/1199
1/1/99

volta
volta

Birim
south
Ho
North
Tongu

Akim Swedru
Ho
Adidome

e
bovin
e
goat
goat

3
2

3
2

75

19

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

District

Location

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH
)

No
culled
(destro
--

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)
-

Y!:!!}

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

12/01198

norther
n

East
Mamprusi

Namongo

bovin
e

21

21

12/01/98

UWR

Wa

Kunyabin

12/01/98
12/01/98
11/01/98
09101/98

UWR
UWR
volta
norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
volta

Wa
Wa
Bo
East Gonia

Kunyabin
Kunyabin
Hodzo A viefe
Bola

East Gonia

Bola

m.g
bovin
e
dog

East Gonia

Bola

East Gonia

10

10

16
6
1
8

16
4
1
8

goat

Bola

sheep

Tamale

Gbambaya

sheep

North
Tongu
West
Gonia
Nanumba

Mafi Anfoe

goat

kalba & uro

Nkwanta

Nkwanta

Yendi

Gundogu

03/01/98

norther
n
UER

Frafra

Datuku

03/01/98

UER

Frafra

Poolugu

02/01/98

volta

Ketekrachi

Ntewusae

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin

09101/98
09101/98
09101/98
08/01/98
08/01/98
05/01/98
04/01/98
04/01/98
03/01/98

norther
n
norther
n
volta

Korayabinchra

bovin
e
goat

ms

1.

161

14

11

10

10

10

10

10

10

02/01/98
02/01/98
02/01/98

volta
volta
volta

01101/98

volta

Ketekrachi
Ketekrachi
North
Tongu
North
Tongu

Ntewusae
Ntewusae
Adidome

e
goat
sheep
goat

5
9

5
9

.2

Adidome

goat

14

.2

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

District

Location

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

06/01197

norther

Tamale

Tamale

sheep

06/01/97

n
UER

05/01/97

norther
n

Bongo

Sambolgo

bovin

West
Gonja

Jerekon

e
bovin
e

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH

No
culled
(destro
--

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

t}
-

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

0
3
3

05/01/97

UER

Frafra

Paalgu

04/01/97

UER

Frafra

Nyogbare

03/01/97

norther
n
UER

West
Gonja
Frafra

Jerekon

norther
n
GAR
UER

Tamale

Tamale

AMA
Frafra

Cantonments
Datuku

03/01/97
02/01/97
01101197
01101/97

Namongo

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
sheep

21

21

goat
bovin
e

25
16

7
-

16

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

District

Dec-84

norther
n
volta
BAR

West
Gonja
Ho
Wenchi

norther
n
GAR

East
Mamprusi
Ga East

Dec-84
Oct-84
Oct-84

Sep-84
Jul-84
Jun-84
Jun-84
May-84
May-84

CR
BAR
BAR
BAR

UER

Location

Tuna
Ho
Wenchi
Langbinsi
Abokobi Agric

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

bovin
e
goat
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin

1
2

e
sheep

Sunyani

bovin

Sunyani

Sunyani

e
sheep

Sunyani

Sunyani

bovin

23

Bawku

Zuabuligo

e
bovin

Upper
Denkyira
Sunyani

Project
Dunkwa

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH
t)

No
culled
(destro
--

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

1
2
1
3

May-84

WR

Apr-84

norther
n
norther
n
UER

Apr-84
Apr-84
Mar-84
Jan-84

norther
n
BAR

Jan-84

CR

Jan-84

norther
n
UER

Jan-84

East
Ahanta
West
East Gonja

Agona Nkwanta
Yapei

e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

30

30

24

24

Gushegu

Gushegu

Bawku
East
Saboba
Chereponi
Wenchi

Zuabuligo

Cape
Coast
Tamale

Cape Coast

m.g

35

Zuo

15

15

Kasena
Nankana

Navrongo

bovin
e
bovin
e

Kpamamba
Wenchi

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

District

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
sheep
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

Nov-83

BAR

Kintampo

Kintampo

Nov-83

norther
n
norther
n
UWR
norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
UER

Saveluzu
Nanton
Tolon

Kpendua

Sissala
East
Mamprusi
Tolon

Tumu
Nagbo

Tolon

Tigla

Frafra

Kumbangre

norther
n
BAR

Tolon

Gollinga

Kintampo

Kintampo

norther
n

Saboba
Chereponi

Bidagbam

Nov-83
Oct-83
Aug-83
Jun-83
Jun-83
Jun-83
May-83
Apr-83
Apr-83

Location

Samukuba

Gbang

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH
t)

No
culled
(destro

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

1
18

1
4

Y!:!!l

Apr-83

Apr-83

norther
n
norther
n
UER

Apr-83

volta

Mar-83
Mar-83

norther
n
WR

Kasena
Nankana
North
Tongu
Savelugu
Nanton
Jomoro

Feb-83

volta

Ketekrachi

Dambai

Jan-83

UWR

Lawra

Lawra

Jan-83
Jan-83

UWR
volta

Lawra
Ketekrachi

Lawra
Ketekrachi

Jan-83

volta

South
Tongu

Agorta-Sogakope

Apr-83

Saboba
Chereponi
Tamale

Wapuli

Kokogu

Jena-Kpeng

Mafi-Dadubui
Tindam
Half-Asini

23

23

mg

bovin
e
bovin
e

62

11

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

Dec-82

norther
n
UWR

Tamale

Nyonihi

Lawra

Kondopia

Dec-82
Dec-82

UWR
WR

Lawra
Sekondi/Takoradi

Nov-82
Nov-82

norther
n
UER

Oct-82

UER

Oct-82

volta

Lawra
Ahanta
East
East
Mamprusi
Bawku
East
Kasena
Nankana
Ho

Aug-82

Savelugu
Nanton
Lawra

Chayili

Aug-82

norther
n
UWR

lul-82

BAR

Kintampo

Kintampo

Dec-82

District

--

Location

Jawani
Kpalwega (LCH)
Kologu
Mortar Regiment

Lawra

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH
t)

No
culled
(destro

Humans

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

1
2

1
2

12

690

bovin
e
bovin
e
)2!g

bovin
e
bovin
e
dog
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

-~

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

Jun-82

Jun-82

norther
n
norther
n
UER

May-82

Ashanti

Apr-82

UER

Mar-82

GAR

Mar-82
Mar-82

norther
n
UER

Mar-82

volta

Feb-82

Ashanti

Feb-82

Feb-82

norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
UER

Feb-82
Jan-82

volta
BAR

Jun-82

Feb-82
Feb-82

Savelugu
Nanton
Yendi

Vet college, P.
Tamale
Sunson

Kasena
Nankana
Offinso

Yogbania

Bawku
East
Tema

Nayoko

East Gonja

krenkeng

Bawku
West
North
Tongu
Kumasi

Sakom

Savelugu
Nanton
Tamale

Husbandry stock
farm, P. Tamale
Lukuo- Yepasi

Tamale

Nangbogu- Yekura

Bawku
East
Ho
Kintampo

Garu

Akumadan

Nunguafarm

Horkpo
Kumasi

Ho
Kintampo

sheep

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

245

12

12

16
9

2
9

rug
bovin

Jan-82

UER

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

Bawku
East
District

Bawku

Location

e
bovin
e
Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

No
cost
controll of
ed
cont
rol
(GH
t}

No
culled
(destro
--

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GHc)

IT!!}

Cas
es

No.
Dea
d

Dec-81

UER

Azango

25

.8.

Nov-81

norther
n
norther
n
volta

Nov-81

UWR

Lawra

Birifoh

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

Dec-81

Bawku
East
Savelugu
Nanton
East
Mamprusi
Hohoe

.8.

.8.

Dec-81

Nov-81
Nov-81
Oct-81
Oct-81

norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
volta

Tampiong-Guma
Nalerigu
hohoe

--

West
Gonja
East Gonja

Saru
salaga

Tamale

Yipelnayili

Ketekrachi

Nkatekwau

Sep-81
Aug-81
Jul-81
Jul-81
Jul-81
Jun-81

norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
norther
n
BAR

West
Mamprusi
Tamale

Wulugu Livestock
station
Bilpella

Tamale

Tijo

East
Mamprusi
East Gonja

Zandua

Wenchi

Wenchi

salaga

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin

40

26

26

22

22

May-81

Ashanti

Kumasi

Kumasi

May-81

UER

Frafra

Zaare

Vendi

Mbatinga

May-81

May-81

norther
n
norther

May-81

May-81
Apr-81
Mar-81
Mar-81

n
norther
n
norther
n
volta
volta

bovin

e
Vendi

Sambu

!!

norther

e
bovin
e
bovin
e

West
Gonja
Saboba
Chereponi
East
Mamprusi
Ketekrachi
South
Tongu

Bamboi

Nakpando

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin

15
1

15
0

Kualik Czandua)

e
horse

Chinderi

bovin

Sasekope

e
bovin
e

Feb-81

ER

Feb-81

UER

Feb-81
Jan-81
Jan-81

WR
GAR
GAR

Asuogyam
an
Bawku
East
Jomoro
Ga East
Ga East

Nkwakubiew

mg

191

meat factory
(Dulugu)
Half-Asini
Oyarifa
Oyarifa

ms

mg
mg

1
35
43

sheep

1
13

year of
occurrenc
e

Region

District

Location

Speci
e of
anim
al
affect
ed

No.
of
anim
als
affect
ed

No
dea
d

No
controll
ed

cost
of
cont
rol
(GH
_l

No
culled
-(destro

Humans

Estima
ted
econo
mic
loss
(GH)

Cas
es

Y!ill
No.
Dea
d

2002
2002

UER
UER

Bongo
Garu

Bongo
Bariboka

swme
bovin
e
sheep
donk

2002

UER

Manga

2002

UER

Bawku
East
Kassena
Nankana
Kassena
Nankana

2002

UER

Gognia
Mirigu

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

2003

UER

2003

UER

2004

UER

2005

UER

2006

UER

2006

UER

2006

UER

Bolgatang
a
Bawku
East
Bolgatang
a
Bawku
East
Garu

Daporetindongo

sheep

Binduri

Bawku
West
Talensi
Nabdam

Tanga

bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e
bovin
e

Soe
Kaadi
Dusbuliga

Gare

year of

Region

District

Humans

occurrenc
e
Case
s

No
dead

1998

Norther
n
Upper
East
Upper

93

45

14

1998
1998

West

1999
1999
1999
1999

2000
2000

Norther
n
Upper
East
Upper
West
Upper
West

Norther
n
Upper
West

2001
2001

2002
2002
2002

Upper
East
Upper
East

Norther
n
Upper
East
Norther

Total

152

14

East Mamprusi

14

Builsa

Lawra

27

Jirapa- Lambussie

Total

44

East Mamprusi

Jirapa- Lambussie

Total

Kasena N ankana

33

Bawku West

Total

36

East Gonja

Kassena-Nankana

0,

Bole

2002

n
Volta

Hohoe

Total

0
0
-

2003
2003
2003

Norther
n
Norther
n
Greater
Accra

Bole

East Mamprusi

AMA

Total

No
dead

year of
occurrence

Region

District

Hum
ans
Cases

2005

Upper
East

Bawku Municipal

2005

Upper

2005
2005
2005
2005

East
Upper
East
Upper
East
Upper
East
Upper

Builsa
--

Bawku Municipal

Bawku Municipal

Garu- Tempane

Builsa
--

East
-

Total

.l

13

2006
2006

Upper
East
Upper
West

2006

Upper

Garu-Tempane

14

Wa West
Bawku West

East
-

.!.

Total

31

APENDIXD6

AVIAN INFLUENZA

Disaster type

year of
occurrence

Region

District

Location

Specie
of
animal
affected

13/6/07
20/5/07
11/5/07
21/4/07
02/05/07
21/4/07
14/4/07

volta
GAR
BA
GAR
GAR
GAR
GAR

Ketu
Tema
Sunyani
Tema
Tema
Tema
Tema

Aflao
Nungua farm
Asuokwa
Adjei Kojo
Adjei Kojo
Adjei Kojo
Kakasunanka

poultry
poultry
poultry
poultry
poultry
poultry
poultry

No. of
animals
affected

350
511
210
15
55
11743
447

No
dead

350
511
210
15
55
11743
447

No
controlled

cost of
control
(GH)

No culled
(destroyed)

1100
7999
155
310
350
11698
1944

Humans
No
No
affected
dead

Estimated
economic
loss
(GH)

APENDIX D7 PROPOSED FORMAT FOR DISASTER DATA COLLECTION

(CROPS)
Historical records of outbreaks of pests and insect infestation disasters
Region
Disaster type

Date of
occurrence

District

Location

Coordinates

Crops affected

Crop area
affected
(Ha)

Crop
area
lost
(Ha)

Crop area
controlled
(Ha)

cost of
control
(GH)

Estimated
economic
loss (GH)

APENDIX D8 PROPOSED FORMAT FOR DISASTER DATA COLLECTION (LIVESTOCK)

Historical records of outbreaks of pests and insect infestation disasters
Region
Disaster
type

Date

District

Location

Coordinates

Specie
of
animal
affected

No. of
animals
affected

No
dead

No
controlled

cost of
control
(GH)

No culled
(destroyed)

Humans
No
No
affected
dead

Estimated
economic
loss
(GH)