Former Awutu Senya East MP and ex-Fisheries Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has firmly denied accusations of misconduct during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, insisting she had no harmful intentions when she visited the polling station.
Speaking on Asempa FM on Wednesday, July 16, Hawa Koomson explained that her use of pepper spray during the chaotic incident was purely an act of self-defence. According to her, the spray is something she always carries for personal protection, especially during election periods due to past traumatic experiences.
“People think I carried the pepper spray to harm others, but it’s for protection. I’ve been through a lot. My son was once stabbed during an election. That changed how I protect myself,” she stated.
During the July 11 rerun, chaos erupted when unidentified individuals overpowered security officers at a polling station. Video footage from the scene captured the moment Hawa Koomson, under attack, used pepper spray before being pushed to the ground and stomped in the groin area. Security personnel eventually intervened.
Hawa Koomson alleged that the attack was deliberate and unprovoked.
“They came with the intention to just kill me without any provocation,” she claimed.
While some critics argue that her presence may have escalated tensions, the former minister maintains that she had gone to the polling centre peacefully and that her actions were a direct response to a violent threat.
“I didn’t go there to cause confusion. I was attacked and had to defend myself. I’ll never go anywhere with the intent to cause harm,” she emphasized.
The incident has sparked public debate about political violence and safety measures during elections, with calls for a thorough investigation and greater accountability from all political actors involved.
