Former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has justified her decision to use pepper spray during the violent clashes that erupted during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday, July 11, describing her actions as self-defence.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister recounted how she was allegedly attacked by a group of unidentified men, including one armed with a knife.

“They were too many. I couldn’t handle them, so I decided to defend myself. I had pepper spray and used it because the guy was holding a knife. It was only self-defence,” she explained.

Madam Koomson expressed shock at the incident, hinting that the attack might have been politically motivated.

“I have become a threat to the NDC, and I don’t even know why. I have always preached peace. Even when my son was shot, I did nothing because I wanted peace. But it seems they want to exchange my life for power,” she lamented.

The incident occurred at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, where voting was temporarily disrupted after unidentified men stormed the venue in a pickup truck and on motorbikes.

Despite efforts to protect herself, Madam Koomson was reportedly overpowered and assaulted.

She has since called for greater political tolerance and urged all parties to prioritise peace over violence in future elections.