Digital communication is not just about the words we text but the way we text them — the familiar check-ins, the morning texts, the shared emojis. These quiet patterns of connection, so easily taken for granted, can become the very signs that something isn’t right.
The recent mysterious case of Ghana Immigration Service officer Stephen King Amoah has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in search of answers.
While the investigation into his brutal murder is ongoing, a critical detail has emerged that serves as a stark reminder for us all: a subtle change in his texting style was the first red flag for his wife that something was terribly wrong.
Amoah, a 38-year-old father of two, was a dedicated officer and a well-known figure in the service’s sports department.
He was reported missing on July 3, 2025, after he left his Kwabenya residence to meet a friend. His body was tragically discovered on July 9, 2025, bearing multiple stab wounds and signs of an attempted cover-up.
A 36-year-old male, described as a friend of the deceased, is currently in police custody in connection with the crime.
Amidst the heartbreak and investigation, a crucial takeaway for our own safety has surfaced. Reports indicate that Amoah’s wife’s suspicion was first aroused by unusual text messages from his phone.
This small but significant detail highlights a powerful, yet often overlooked, aspect of our digital lives: our unique communication patterns with those closest to us can be a vital safety net.
Think about it. The specific emoji you always use with your partner, the private joke you share with a sibling in your texts, or the consistent way you sign off a message to your parents – these are more than just cute quirks.
They are your digital handshake, a unique identifier that can signal your well-being, or, in its absence, raise a crucial alarm.
In a world where our phones are almost always with us, an unusual or out-of-character message can be the first indication that something is amiss. It could mean someone else has control of the phone and, potentially, the person.
TURNING YOUR DIGITAL HABITS INTO A SAFETY STRATEGY
This is not about becoming paranoid, but about being proactive. By consciously establishing and recognizing these unique communication cues, you and your loved ones can create a simple yet effective “silent alarm” system.
Here’s how you can leverage your personal texting style for safety:
• Establish a “Digital Code Word” or Phrase: This could be an inside joke, a seemingly random word, or a specific phrase that you and your trusted contacts agree upon. Its absence or incorrect usage in a conversation can signal distress.
• Consistent Use of Emojis or Sign-offs: Do you always end a message to your best friend with a particular emoji? Or sign off texts to your parents with “Love you”? These consistencies can become part of your safety check-in.
• The “Double-Tap” Confirmation: For important or unusual requests, especially those involving money or personal information, a quick follow-up call to vocally confirm the text is a wise practice.
• Trust Your Gut: As in the case of Mrs. Amoah, if a message feels “off,” don’t dismiss it. The tone, grammar, or even the punctuation might be subtly different. Trust your intuition and investigate further.
The tragic loss of Steffen King Amoah is a painful reminder of the dangers that can exist. While we mourn with his family and trust in the Ghana Police Service to bring the perpetrators to justice, we must also learn from this harrowing incident.
Let this be a catalyst for a conversation with your family and friends. Discuss your unique communication styles and agree on subtle cues that can be used in an emergency. It’s a simple step that could, one day, be a lifeline.
In our interconnected world, being cyber-aware is not just about protecting our data; it’s about protecting ourselves and the people we love.
Written by Joseph Attoh (Assistant Social Media/IT Manager, Pent Media Centre)(joeattoh@aol.com)
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