Mavis Hawa Koomson, a National Women's Organiser aspirant for Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vowed to equip party women with pepper spray for personal protection if she is elected. Speaking to NPP women delegates in Kumasi ahead of the party's National Delegates Conference, Koomson emphasized that the initiative aims to empower women and ensure their safety in potentially dangerous situations. This move is part of her broader campaign message focusing on women's empowerment and personal security.
Koomson's proposal includes providing pepper spray to NPP women and offering training on the responsible use of the spray and basic self-defence measures. She believes that women should have practical tools to protect themselves, but also stressed that access to pepper spray should not be seen as encouragement to engage in confrontation. Instead, it is intended as a personal-safety measure. This pledge follows her personal experience during the July 2025 Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
During the 2025 Ablekuma North rerun, Koomson was assaulted amid violence at a polling station and was captured on video using pepper spray in self-defence. She has maintained that she used the spray after feeling threatened. This experience likely influenced her decision to prioritize women's safety and empowerment within the NPP. Koomson's initiative may resonate with party members, particularly women, who value personal security.
The NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi provides a platform for Koomson to engage with party members and share her vision for the women's wing. As an aspirant for the National Women's Organiser position, Koomson is keen to demonstrate her commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of NPP women. Her proposal to provide pepper spray and training has generated interest among party members.
Koomson's campaign message emphasizes the importance of women's empowerment and personal security within the NPP. By providing practical tools and training, she aims to equip women with the skills and confidence to protect themselves. This initiative may appeal to party members seeking a more proactive approach to women's safety and empowerment.
The NPP has a significant presence in Ghana, and the party's women's wing plays a crucial role in mobilizing support. Koomson's proposal may contribute to the party's efforts to promote women's participation and empowerment. As the National Delegates Conference approaches, aspirants like Koomson are likely to face scrutiny from party members.
Koomson's pledge to provide pepper spray to NPP women has generated attention ahead of the party's National Delegates Conference. If elected as National Women's Organiser, she will be responsible for implementing her proposed initiatives and promoting women's empowerment within the party. Her experience and vision for women's safety and empowerment will likely be closely watched by party members.
Key points
- Hawa Koomson pledges to provide pepper spray and training to NPP women for personal protection if elected National Women's Organiser.
