Former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended her proposal to provide pepper spray to women of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stating she has no regrets about the pledge. Speaking after her election as the party's National Women's Organiser at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, she said the proposal aimed to help women protect themselves, not encourage confrontation. Koomson's comments come amid criticism of the proposal.
Koomson cited her personal experience during the violence at the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as a reason for her stance. She claimed the pepper spray saved her life when she was beaten. "I'm not retracting it. I'm not sure it's a crime to give someone a pepper spray to defend himself. I'm a living testimony," she said. Her position remains unchanged despite backlash.
Following her election, Koomson pledged to work towards advancing the interests of women in the NPP. She attributed her victory and future plans to her faith, stating, "The Lord is my strength. He who has given me the victory will guide me. He will lead me and provide for me." Her election was a result of a contest for the National Women's Organiser position against Hajia Safia Mohammed.
Despite winning the election, Koomson expressed her intention to work with her opponent and involve her in the affairs of the women's wing. She described her opponent as her "daughter" and plans to send her on errands. Koomson rejected the suggestion that the election was particularly difficult, saying she did not consider it a tough contest.
Koomson's election as National Women's Organiser follows a series of elections for national officers within the NPP. The newly elected executives are expected to take charge of the party's organisational affairs. Her comments come as the NPP begins a new phase after its national officers' elections.
The NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi saw the election of various national executives, including John Boadu, Kojo Bamba, and Titus Glover. The party aims to modernise and win back youth in preparation for the 2028 election. Koomson's stance on the pepper spray proposal has sparked debate within the party and among Ghanaians.
As the NPP begins its new phase, Koomson and other newly elected executives are expected to work together to achieve the party's goals. The party's leadership has urged aspirants to accept the results and reunite the party after the elections. Koomson's proposal has raised questions about the role of women in Ghanaian politics and the measures they can take for self-defence.
Key points
- Hawa Koomson defends her proposal to provide pepper spray to NPP women for self-defence.
- Koomson cites personal experience during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as a reason for her stance.
- Koomson plans to work with her opponent, Hajia Safia Mohammed, and involve her in the women's wing.
