Former Minister and Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended her use of pepper spray during the recent re-run election in the Ablekuma North Constituency, stating it was an act of self-defence.
The Electoral Commission conducted a re-run in 19 polling stations across the constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025, after irregularities were recorded during the 2024 general elections. The process, however, was marred by pockets of tension at certain centres, including St. Peter’s Methodist polling station where the incident occurred.
Speaking in an interview on UTV, Hon. Koomson explained that she was confronted by a group of men she alleged had previously caused disturbances in her home constituency, Kasoa. “I did not go there to cause trouble. I was invited to the centre by the police and entered peacefully. But when the group started shouting my name and approaching me, I feared for my safety,” she said.
According to her, the group was armed with knives and acted in a threatening manner. She claimed the use of pepper spray was a spontaneous act to deter a possible attack. She also recalled a past incident in 2024 where her son was stabbed during a similar confrontation in Kasoa, suggesting that Friday’s attack felt like history repeating itself.
Akosua Manu, NPP parliamentary candidate for Adentan, who was present at the scene, corroborated Hon. Koomson’s account, describing the situation as volatile and potentially dangerous.
The Electoral Commission has not yet commented on the incident. Meanwhile, election observers and political stakeholders have called for enhanced security measures and calm during electoral processes.
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