Ablekuma North Violence: “I Always Carry Pepper Spray for Protection After My Son Was Stabbed” – Hawa Koomson

Former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and one-time Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has firmly denied any wrongdoing during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, insisting her controversial use of pepper spray was purely an act of self-defence.

Violence erupted during the July 11, 2025 rerun election when a group of unidentified men stormed a polling station, overpowering the security personnel on duty. In disturbing video footage that circulated online, Hawa Koomson was seen being knocked to the ground despite deploying pepper spray in an attempt to fend off her attackers. Reports indicate she was stomped in the groin area before police officers rushed in to rescue her.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Wednesday, July 16, Koomson explained that she had no intention of sparking chaos, stressing that her use of the spray was prompted by genuine fear for her life.

“I always carry pepper spray for protection,” she stated. “This is because of a past experience where my son was stabbed during a previous election. That incident changed how I approach my personal safety.”

According to her, the attack was unprovoked, and her presence at the polling station was peaceful until the group of thugs descended on her.

“They came with the intention to kill me. I had done nothing to provoke them,” Koomson alleged.

The incident has stirred widespread public debate, with critics accusing her of escalating tensions in an already volatile election. However, supporters and sympathisers argue that the assault on the former MP highlights the growing insecurity around elections in Ghana and the need for better protection for political actors.

Koomson, known for her outspoken style, maintained that her actions were a protective response, not aggression, and were shaped by personal trauma and past political violence.

The Ghana Police Service is yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the attack or confirm whether investigations have been launched into the incident.

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