International relations and security expert Vladimir Antwi-Danso has urged the public to adopt stronger personal safety habits, warning that many people underestimate risks at social gatherings and public events.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Antwi-Danso said individuals often wrongly assume that the presence of police officers or private security at events guarantees their personal safety.
He stressed that personal vigilance remains the first line of protection, advising people to remain alert, observe their surroundings, and be cautious about who they interact with in public spaces.
“Personal security is very, very important. You have to take your personal security into your own hands,” he said.
He cautioned against accepting already opened drinks, leaving food unattended, or following strangers after social events, describing such behaviours as risky and potentially dangerous.
According to him, drinks and food should always be closely monitored and consumed only when individuals are confident they have not been tampered with.
“Do not leave your bottle, do not leave your food… When you come back, don’t touch the food again,” he advised, stressing the importance of caution in social settings.
Dr. Antwi-Danso also encouraged people to pay attention to unusual tastes or sensations in food or drinks, saying the body often provides early warning signs of potential danger.
He further warned against peer pressure and unsafe companionship, urging individuals to avoid situations that could expose them to harm.
“The principle is to walk away from trouble,” he noted.
On cyber safety, he advised the public to be cautious of suspicious online contacts, fake offers, and schemes promising money, romance, or rewards, warning that such platforms are often used for exploitation.
His comments come amid heightened public concern over cases of alleged drug-facilitated abuse and digital exploitation, including the recent arrest of a 36-year-old entrepreneur linked to a cybercrime investigation involving the alleged non-consensual recording and sharing of intimate content.
Authorities have reiterated that such acts are criminal under Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual distribution of intimate images and prescribes custodial sentences for offenders.
Dr. Antwi-Danso also encouraged victims of suspected abuse or exploitation to seek immediate help, report to law enforcement, and access psychological support services to aid recovery.
