Women, beware of Rohypnol

He was smartly dressed. He waits for his date at a rendezvous. As usual, she was tardy, but when she finally arrived, the duo drove away in a wine car, chatting heartily till they got to the restaurant.

The cute restaurant sat comfortably under the canopy of the interwoven bamboo and neem branches. Birds and crickets chirped with brilliant virtuosity, a soothing lullaby, to put the dog-tired day to peaceful rest.

Cool country music that played in the dimly lit restaurant rejuvenated the sapped energies of the worn out professionals, business partners, family members and prospective marriage mates.

A bottle or a tot of a refreshing drink in the crisp evening air sinks the troubles of the worn out soul. It rekindles the joy of both sexes working together on a project.

But women, beware!

These thrilling moments could turn out to be most exacting and troubling. Unscrupulous men are ready to take advantage of the serene atmosphere to behave funny. Guess what? Rape. Everyone who puts her drink down and turns her back is in danger.

Executive Women magazine of London reported last year that in the 10 months up to August 100 people were allegedly sexually assaulted in London after being drugged. Similar stories unfold in most major cities. And the victims of so-called date rape are just as likely to be sharp-witted career women, na?ve teenagers and serial man-eaters.

The tool for the date rapist's trade is Rohypnol, a drug used to treat insomnia and prepare patients for anaesthesia, inducing drowsiness and intoxication. Crucially, it also causes recent amnesia.

Not only is the victim unable to defend herself, but she also is unable to remember anything, which could help trace her attacker. It is tasteless, odourless and colourless: near impossible to detect.

The magazine says a friend, colleague or even a relative abuses 70 per cent of the victims. So, women, wake up and be on guard before Rohypnol comes to Ghana.