On October 8th, 2017, an offloading tanker at a petrol station caught fire, resulting in a large-scale explosion at the Atomic Junction area in Madina in the city of Accra.
The incident was first reported on social media and later received attention in mainstream media.
Alongside accurate updates on the incident, there was also a lot of misinformation on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
This is not the first time incidents of this nature have occurred.
On June 3rd, 2015, a fuel tanker exploded at a petrol station, killing 150 people during a downpour. Information on the incident took time to get to the general public.
In all these incidents, there remains a gap in how quickly information gets released to the public from the authorities.
Ghana does not have a system for mass broadcasting information aside from radio and TV, all of which can help inform the general public about emergencies and provide safety tips.
In some jurisdictions, like the US, some states have implemented emergency broadcast systems that send alerts to millions of mobile phone users based on their location about emergencies like hurricanes or flooding.
These alerts provide instructions on how to evacuate, seek shelter, or avoid danger.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, approximately 20 to 21 African countries have operational multi-hazard early warning systems, which are designed to provide timely alerts for various emergencies.
Ghana is one of the few countries in Africa that does not have such a system in place.
If the country had an emergency broadcast system in place, police authorities could leverage the technology and broadcast alerts to residents in particular areas where a missing person was reported.
The Technology Powering Broadcast Systems
Cell broadcast is the underlying technology implemented by most countries for emergency broadcasts. Countries including Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, and the Philippines all utilise cell broadcast for emergency services.
The system has several advantages. Firstly, it does not require collecting or storing phone numbers. It uses a dedicated broadcast channel that can reach any phone that supports the service.
Secondly, it is not affected by network congestion, as it does not use the same resources as voice or data services.
Lastly, it is secure and reliable, as it can only be sent by authorized entities and verified by digital signatures.
Cell broadcast has been recommended by various groups, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the GSM Association (GSMA), as the best practice for public warning systems.
Challenges and Opportunities for Ghana
Between 2021 and 2023, Ghana recorded 610 reported cases of missing persons, with the majority being children. This figure, highlighted in a report by Missing Ghana, underscores a concerning trend that has drawn attention from both the public and authorities.
If the country had an emergency broadcast system in place, police authorities could leverage the technology and broadcast alerts to residents in particular areas where a missing person was reported.
Alerts for flooding, fires, and even road blockages or closures could be relayed to residents in a particular area.
One of the main challenges currently in implementing the technology is the lack of legal and regulatory frameworks and coordination among stakeholders.
The government has started putting together the building blocks for emergency services via mobile networks.
In 2020, the Emergency Communications System Instrument (E.I. 63) under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) was passed by parliament.
The instrument requires network operators to make their networks available for mass dissemination of information during emergencies, including public health crises.
However, the EI does not require or mandate Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to support cell broadcast technology, which would enable emergency broadcasting.
We reached out via email to the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ministry of Communications for comment on plans to implement a broadcast system.
At the time of publication, we have yet to receive a response.
Where Do We Go From Here
Ghanaian authorities could learn from countries such as South Korea and Israel to help implement a national emergency broadcast system.
Engaging with international organizations and initiatives that provide technical assistance and guidance on cell broadcast systems, such as ITU, GSMA, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), and Cell Broadcast Forum.
Parliament’s development of legal and regulatory frameworks could enable and encourage MNOs to offer cell broadcast services and to collaborate with government agencies in sending alerts.
Establishment of emergency systems could enable local authorities to send alerts to millions of phones based on their location and the type of threat.
In 2021, authorities conducted a controlled spillage of the Akosombo and the Kpong Dam by the Volta River Authority to address rising water levels due to increased rainfall.
The unexpected rainfall led to the spillage exercise to help prevent the failure of the dam.
The exercise led to the displacement of more than 10,000 people in eight communities along the Volta River downstream.
As the weather gets more unpredictable, it would be essential for emergency services to plan long-term on how to alert citizens of hazards in their environment.
The country is overdue for a system that helps to keep citizens alert and aware of emergencies and incidents in their communities.
