I used pepper spray to protect myself – Hawa Koomson

Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended her use of pepper spray during the chaotic parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency last Friday, insisting it was an act of self-defence.

The election, held on Friday, July 11, descended into confusion after a group of unidentified men reportedly overpowered police officers at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station and attacked several people, including the former Fisheries Minister.

Viral videos captured the moment Hawa Koomson reached for a canister—later confirmed to be pepper spray—and deployed it as a group of men advanced toward her.

Speaking for the first time since the incident in an interview on Accra-based UTV on Tuesday, July 15, Hawa Koomson rejected claims that she went to the polling centre with the intention of causing mayhem.

“I was at the voting centre with my security, but the police insisted I enter alone, saying unauthorised persons were not allowed in. I did not go there to cause trouble,” she said.

She recounted that she was specifically targeted by individuals she recognized from Kasoa, alleging they were affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“As soon as the thugs entered, I identified two NDC guys from Kasoa. One of them shouted, ‘Where is Hawa Koomson?’ and they just pounced on me. So, the claims that I went there with ill intentions and carried pepper spray for that purpose are unfounded.”

The former MP maintained that her response was triggered by a perceived threat to her life.

“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.”