Y.D. Ntow¹

¹Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Abstract:

The Republic of Ghana signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on October 3, 1996 and ratified the CTBTO on June 14, 2011. In February 2010, Ghana commissioned its CTBT National Data Center(NDC) so that it can support international efforts to monitor nuclear weapons testing more effectively. Seismic data received from the International Data Centre is one of the benefits the CTBT offers in the area of earthquake hazard assessment for Ghana. Experts at the NDC-Ghana access and compile seismic events data registered on the seismo-acoustic networks of International Monitoring System for the country. This data in addition to the national earthquake monitoring means will be used to update and identify seismically prone areas of the country. The Center in collaboration with other agencies intermittently organise public lectures on earthquake disaster risk mitigation thereby creating public awareness. The Center also makes recommendations to the government of Ghana on earthquake safety measures and assist government institutions to develop appropriate land and building policies. Capacity building undertaken by the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) empowers signatory states including Ghana with equipment, software and training. Knowledge is further imparted in individuals who visit the center for educational tours and others through periodic internal trainings.