12/26/2025
This candid moment captures one man's response: carrying a lightweight hut on his head as he passes the rubble of a collapsed colonial-era building.
On June 22, 1939, the Gold Coast (today’s Ghana) was shaken by one of the most devastating earthquakes in West African history. The epicenter was located near Accra, the capital city, and the tremor reached a magnitude of approximately 6.2 Mw. This disaster caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and lasting social and political consequences. - Below archive will have more pages and photos, soon!
This candid moment captures one man's response: carrying a lightweight hut on his head as he passes the rubble of a collapsed colonial-era building.
The quake struck suddenly in the early morning hours, shaking homes, schools, churches, and government buildings.
Seventeen people were killed, and more than 135 were injured.
Many stone and concrete structures collapsed or were left unsafe, forcing thousands of residents into temporary shelters.
The financial damage was estimated at hundreds of thousands of pounds, a massive burden for the colonial administration.
Accra had already experienced earlier seismic events in 1862 and 1906, but the 1939 earthquake was far more destructive.
In 1862, nearly every stone building in Accra was destroyed.
In 1906, government offices were damaged, though casualties were avoided.
The 1939 quake combined destruction with human loss, making it the most impactful seismic disaster in the Gold Coast’s recorded history.
The British colonial government was forced to respond quickly to the disaster.
Emergency relief and rehousing projects were initiated to shelter displaced families.
Reconstruction efforts, however, were poorly managed, leading to urban discontent and frustration among residents.
The earthquake became a political turning point, fueling debates about governance, housing, and modernization in Accra.
The earthquake left a lasting imprint on Accra’s development:
It highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the Gulf of Guinea region.
It influenced urban planning and disaster preparedness in Ghana for decades.
It remains a historical marker of resilience, reminding Accra of its ability to rebuild and adapt in the face of disaster.
A worldwide unique collection of 39 original photographs documents the destruction and aftermath of the 1939 Gold Coast earthquake.
This collection is curated by Collection Remo Kurka, in cooperation with Ghana-Net.com – Ghana’s Tourism and Information Home Page.
The photos are available for editorial use and research purposes in high resolution and without watermarks.
Licensing only: None of the original physical photographs are for sale.
As a reference, websites and publications are required to link or name the source of the photos.
Resale is strictly prohibited.
For licensing inquiries and historical resources:Email: info@ghana-net.comTel: 00233549942584
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Ghana Geological Survey Department – Historical Earthquake Records Seismological Studies on West Africa – Accra Earthquake 1939 Ghana-Net.com – Tourism and Information Home Page (Collection Remo Kurka)
Summary: The 1939 Gold Coast earthquake in Accra was not only a natural disaster but also a social and political event that reshaped the city’s trajectory. Its legacy continues to inform Ghana’s understanding of resilience, urban planning, and disaster management. The unique 39-photo collection stands as a rare visual testimony to this pivotal moment in history.