Former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has explained that she had to use pepper spray during the July 11 parliamentary election rerun in Ablekuma North for self-defence because members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had targeted her for attack.
Responding to criticism in an interview with Accra-based UTV about her conduct at the polling station, the former lawmaker for Awutu Senya East defended her actions, claiming she was under physical threat and acted to protect herself.
“The NDC targeted me and came at me with a knife, so I used the pepper spray in self-defence. I know I am a threat to the NDC, which is why I take steps to protect myself wherever I go,” she said on July 15.
Hawa Koomson further defended her actions and dismissed suggestions that she was there to cause trouble. “I am not a troublemaker, but I don’t take foolishness. Why is the NDC questioning why I was at the polling station? Is it not my party member who was contesting? She was my colleague and friend in Parliament.” Hawa Koomson stated.
She explained that her visit was purely based on a request from Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the rerun, who reached out to her for support.
“I was in Kumasi when she called me, asking me to come support her campaign, and I couldn’t say no. So, I wasn’t at the polling station to cause trouble. I went to give moral support to residents to come out and vote.”
Her comments follow heightened political tensions in the constituency, where the Electoral Commission conducted a rerun in 19 polling stations after disputes surrounding the December 7, 2024, election.
Hawa Koomson was attacked by thugs suspected to belong to the NDC. She was rescued by police officers and whisked away.
The rerun ended with a victory for the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn, sparking mixed reactions and accusations of unfair interference.
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