Hawa Koomson Admits Using Pepper Spray in Self-Defence During Ablekuma North Rerun Chaos

By Joylinda Laryea / July 15, 2025

Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has confirmed using pepper spray during violent clashes at the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday, July 11, describing her actions as a necessary act of self-defence amid what she called a "life-threatening situation."

In her first public comments since the incident, Koomson appeared on UTV on Tuesday, July 15, to explain her side of the story. She said she was forced by police to enter the polling station alone, despite arriving with her security team.

“I did not go there to cause trouble,” she said. “When I saw the thugs walking toward me holding knives, I acted in self-defence.”

She alleged that she was the target of a coordinated attack by individuals she recognized 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 recalled.

The incident, which took place at St Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, quickly escalated, with viral footage showing Koomson deploying a canister of pepper spray as a group of men advanced toward her.

The chaotic scene has drawn sharp political reactions, with members of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and NDC trading accusations over responsibility for the day’s violence. Despite the backlash, Koomson remained resolute, stating her only intention was personal safety in an environment that had already proven dangerous.

“My son was stabbed during the voter registration exercise, so I know I’m a target for the NDC,” she added. “The claims that I went there with ill intentions and carried pepper spray for that purpose are unfounded.”

As the Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies continue investigations, public debate intensifies over political violence and security measures at polling stations.