Mavis Hawa Koomson, the National Women's Organiser of Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged the government to legalize the use of pepper spray for personal protection. She believes that women should have access to this self-defence tool to safeguard themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Koomson's call for legalization is rooted in her personal experience during the violent Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun in July 2025.
During the Ablekuma North rerun, Koomson used pepper spray as a means of self-defence when she was assaulted. She revealed that she had been carrying pepper spray for several years, but it was unknown to those around her, including security personnel. The incident reinforced her conviction that women should be allowed to carry pepper spray for their protection. Koomson emphasized that the tool should be viewed as a protective measure rather than an instrument for confrontation.
Koomson pointed out that in other countries, pepper spray is provided as a personal safety tool. She argued that Ghana should adopt a similar approach, allowing women to carry pepper spray for their safety. If the government is willing to permit its use, Koomson indicated that she would be willing to comply with any regulatory requirements, including obtaining a license.
This is not the first time Koomson has advocated for the use of pepper spray. During her campaign for the NPP National Women's Organiser position, she pledged to make pepper spray available to NPP women, alongside personal-safety training. Her proposal was aimed at empowering women to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Koomson's experience at the Ablekuma North rerun was central to her position on the issue. She described the action of using pepper spray as self-defence. Her advocacy for the legalization of pepper spray has revived a previous proposal she made during her campaign for the NPP National Women's Organiser position.
The NPP National Women's Organiser emphasized that her proposal is aimed at helping women protect themselves. She called on the government to consider formally permitting the use of pepper spray, indicating that women would be willing to comply with any regulatory requirements.
Koomson's comments have sparked a renewed debate on the issue of women's safety in Ghana. Her advocacy for the legalization of pepper spray has raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures for women in the country.
Key points
- Mavis Hawa Koomson calls for the legalization of pepper spray for women's self-defence in Ghana.
- Koomson's advocacy is rooted in her personal experience during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
- She is willing to comply with regulatory requirements, including obtaining a license, if the government permits the use of pepper spray.
