We must address the rise in missing persons cases – Security analyst

Security analyst Samuel Nana Appiah has voiced concerns over the escalating number of missing persons cases. He emphasized that a missing person report is alarming, as it involves the potential risk to a life.

He believes that whether the individual is an adult or a child, it should alarm all Ghanaians.

"We must be concerned about these issues because some malevolent individuals or criminals may be behind these acts, putting everyone at risk," he noted.

Speaking on 'Frontline' on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he suggested that this trend might be part of a scheme orchestrated by criminal elements.

"If one person is declared missing and the pattern continues, then we should be alarmed. Our security agencies need to be astute and tackle this issue head-on."

He acknowledged that technology and mobile devices have greatly enhanced the ability to track and trace missing individuals.

"Through investigation, security agencies can trace the last call and focus their inquiry on the location from where the last call was made. However, the question remains: how quickly can we determine if a person is missing, has encountered a problem, has been kidnapped, or has been harmed? These are critical issues that our security agencies must address."

He highlighted the importance of vigilance among the Ghanaian public, as anyone could become a victim.

"We must be cautious in our movements. Are we willing to inform others of our whereabouts? Some people lie about their location, making it difficult to find them when they are reported missing.

"While technology can track missing individuals, we are ultimately responsible for our own safety. First and foremost, never conceal your location from those close to you or who care about you. Let others know where you are for your own safety, so you can be easily located.

"We should also be careful about the types of relationships we establish. Being wise and mindful of the level of trust we place in others is crucial. How quickly we trust or don't trust people is significant," he explained.

When questioned about Ghana's success in rescuing or finding those declared missing over the years, he said he couldn't be definitive due to the lack of evidence to base such a judgment on.

He also recommended conducting a national security threat assessment to categorize these cases and other illegal activities.

"Receiving these reports from our security services will help the public appreciate their work and support them in their duties.

"Analysts, intelligence experts, and the media will have access to this information, while security desks can focus on analysis and education to keep the public informed. Seeing and hearing from the intelligence community, the police, and national security educates the populace," he concluded.