Former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has broken her silence after deploying pepper spray during the chaotic Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday, 11 July, stating that her actions were in self-defence amid a life-threatening situation.
The election day descended into disorder at the St Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, following reports of unidentified men overpowering police officers and assaulting voters and officials — including Koomson.
Viral footage captured her reaching for a canister and deploying pepper spray as a group of men advanced toward her.
In her first interview since the incident, aired on Accra-based UTV on Tuesday, 15 July, Koomson explained that she had arrived at the centre with her security detail but was compelled by police to enter alone. “I did not go there to cause trouble,” she insisted.
Koomson alleged she was targeted by individuals she recognised from Kasoa, whom she linked to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). “One of them shouted, ‘Where is Hawa Koomson?’ and they just pounced on me,” she recounted, dismissing claims that her actions were premeditated. “The suggestions that I went there with ill intentions and carried pepper spray for that purpose are unfounded.”
Describing the incident as terrifying, she added: “My son was stabbed during the voter registration exercise, so I know I’m a target for the NDC. When I saw the thugs walking toward me holding knives, I acted in self-defence.”
While figures from both the NPP and NDC have exchanged accusations over the day’s violence, Koomson remains firm that her only intent was to protect herself in what she described as a volatile environment.
Source: Myjoyonline
