Former Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has denied allegations of wrongdoing at the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.

She insisted that her possession of pepper spray at the polling station was purely for self-defence.

During last week's polls, assailants overpowered the security detail and launched an assault on the former MP and ex‐Fisheries Minister who had visited a polling station.

Disturbing video footage shows her being forced to the ground despite her deployment of pepper spray at the angry group.

She was stomped in the groin area before officers intervened.

Speaking on Asempa FM on Wednesday, July 16, the former Fisheries Minister explained that she had no ill intent when she visited the polling centre.

• Read also: Hawa Koomson assaulted as chaos erupts in Ablekuma North rerun

According to her, the pepper spray was something she always carried for protection due to past traumatic experiences.

She recounted a particularly distressing incident in a previous election when her son was stabbed during political violence.

That, she said, permanently changed her approach to personal safety during election periods.

She explained that she only armed herself out of caution, not aggression.

Hawa Koomson further alleged that the group which confronted her during the incident came with violent intentions. According to her, the confrontation was unprovoked.

“They came with the intention to just kill me without any provocation,” she claimed.

The incident at the Ablekuma North rerun has sparked widespread reactions, with some accusing the former MP of escalating tensions.

However, she maintains that her actions were purely defensive and informed by a history of political violence she has personally endured.