The region that is now Ghana has recorded instances of earthquakes as far back as the first half of the 17th century. The most destructive of the earthquakes, which still lives in the memory of Ghanaians, then Gold Coast, is the 1939 earthquake.
The Gold Coast Independent reported on 24 June 1939 that the inhabitant felt the seismic disturbance a few minutes after 7 pm, which intensified and grew violent in Accra. Similar incident happened around the colony but was of lesser magnitude.
However, no death was recorded except for Accra, where seventeen people lost their lives as well as one hundred and thirty-three people recorded injured. The deaths and injuries mostly happened in and around the slums of Jamestown and Usshertown.
Almost every house in Accra was somehow damaged, and the ones inhabitable were death traps, which compelled the population to sleep in the streets and open spaces.
The Governor, Mr Arnold Hodson, began to build grass huts as temporal dwellings. Also, railway wagons were also given to victims to occupy temporarily, as well as boys’ and girls’ schools at Accra and Adabraka as the Governor sought to rebuild a large part of Accra.
A Gold Coast Earthquake Relief Fund was set up, supported massively by Otumfuo Sir Agyeman Prempeh and Nii Noi Owuo, Osu Mantse. They generated over £919.5 locally within a month. They later received over £5000 foreign support.
To interpret the 1939 earthquake, the priest and priestess of Ga explained this occurrence as a bad omen for which they had to appease the gods to avoid such an occurrence from happening. Tolls were collected by the Linguist of Ga Mache and other chiefs of Accra with linguist staff.
Also, an intercession and thanksgiving service for the earthquake was held at the Holy Trinity Church yard on 30 July 1939. This service was for the English congregation of the affected people. Almost all Ga Chiefs attended. The earthquake victims were implored not to forget this day and how the Almighty God saved them.
There have been many earthquakes after this, but of less magnitude and could barely cause any major destruction like that of 22 June 1939.
Stephen Baidoo is a writer who loves to research about Ghana's past. He brings Ghana's history to life with each unearthed fact and forgotten narrative, transforming dry dates into passionate stories.

Rutherford Otu
February 15, 2024 at 5:54 pm
I see you bro. Love your write ups.
Any history on the murder of suhum chief called OFORI ATTAH?
sbaidoo8
April 2, 2024 at 10:03 am
You can share relevant information about the murder with us. Thank you.
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