Former Awutu‑Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has broken her silence after deploying pepper spray during the tumultuous Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun last Friday, 11 July, stating her actions were a protective measure 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 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 on her.

In her first interview since the incident on Accra’s UTV on Tuesday, 15 July, Koomson told viewers she had arrived at the centre with her security team 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, linked to the opposition NDC. “One of them shouted, ‘Where is Hawa Koomson?’ and they just pounced on me,” she recounted, dismissing suggestions that her action was premeditated. “The claims 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 several voices—, including NPP and NDC figures have exchanged accusations over the day’s violence, Koomson remains steadfast that her only intent was to protect herself in a volatile environment.

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