Koforidua not left out of earthquake scare

Koforidua, Jan. 18, GNA - Residents of New Juaben Municipality were not left out of the earthquake scare that hit Ghana in the early hours of Monday.

In Koforidua as early as 0100 hours, many people woke up from sleep and congregated along the streets, at compounds and other open spaces as information went round the country warning people of a looming earthquake.

GNA observed crowds of young people and the aged and babies firmly strapped at the back of their mothers whiles toddlers were in firm grip of adults.

People had also formed small groups discussing the information whiles others were frantically making calls to reach other relatives and acquaintances with the information.

A trader, Adwoa Afriyie, told GNA that she had information around 2300 hours from her daughter at Aburi Presbyterian Training College that disaster was looming so all should switch off their mobile phones.

She said she quickly switched off her mobile phone but around 02.00 hours she heard noisy people moving from their rooms and she came out only to be told there was a looming earthquake therefore people should run to safety.

A teacher, Francis Boateng, also told GNA that he and his family were fast asleep when a neighbour banged at their door to alert them of the looming disaster.

He said they quickly left the room with their two children and stayed outside from 0100 hours until 0400 hours when they realized it was only a hoax and she went back to bed.

Ms Doris Ayowa, a banker, said she was just about to retire to bed at 0200 hours after studying when suddenly she had a phone call from her fiancé asking her to quickly come out from her room.

She said she was so tired that she decided to ascertain the facts from other friends who gave her the same information.

Ms Ayowa said when she went outside she saw people who were discussing the issue.

GNA