Hawa Koomson: I used pepper spray in self-defence after NDC threat

Former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended her controversial use of pepper spray during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun on July 11, 2025, stating it was an act of self-defence.

In an interview with Accra-based UTV, the former Awutu Senya East MP claimed she was physically targeted by members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the polling station.

“The NDC targeted me and came at me with a knife, so I used the pepper spray in self-defence. I know I’m a threat to them, so I must always protect myself,” she explained.

Koomson rejected accusations that she was at the polling centre to cause chaos, arguing she was there to support Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the rerun.

“She’s my friend and former colleague in Parliament. I came at her request to help mobilise voters, not to stir up trouble,” she stated.

The former minister was later rescued by police after reportedly being assaulted by individuals suspected to be NDC loyalists. She insisted her presence was lawful and grounded in party solidarity.

The election rerun, held in 19 polling stations following a disputed 2024 outcome, ended with a win for the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn, intensifying political tensions in the constituency.

Koomson’s remarks and conduct have since drawn both criticism and support on social media, reigniting the debate over security and political interference during elections.