Former MP Hawa Koomson Breaks Silence After Alleged Assault During Ablekuma North Rerun
Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has spoken publicly for the first time following an alleged physical assault during the parliamentary election rerun held in the Ablekuma North Constituency. The incident, which took place at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, has sparked widespread concern and drawn condemnation from various quarters.
In an official statement released shortly after the incident, Madam Hawa Koomson confirmed that she was physically assaulted while monitoring the electoral process. She attributed the attack to individuals she identified as “NDC machomen”, who allegedly confronted and attacked her while she was peacefully observing proceedings at the polling center.
Mobile Phone Stolen During Attack
During the altercation, Hawa Koomson revealed that her personal mobile phone was forcibly taken from her. As a precaution, she has warned the general public to disregard any communication originating from her phone number, including calls, text messages, WhatsApp messages, or social media posts made after the time of the assault.
“Any messages, posts, or calls from my number after the incident should be considered unauthorized. I urge everyone to disregard such communications until I regain full control of my phone and social media accounts,” she stated.
This warning has been taken seriously by her supporters and the public, especially in a politically sensitive environment where misinformation can quickly spread.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene at Polling Station
The incident unfolded in dramatic fashion at one of the key polling centers in Odorkor, where tensions were already running high due to the rerun of the parliamentary election in the constituency. Eyewitness reports indicate that a group of unidentified men, allegedly arriving in a pickup truck and on motorbikes, stormed the polling station, triggering panic among voters, party agents, and electoral officials.
The situation reportedly escalated when Hawa Koomson tried to defend herself. Several eyewitnesses claimed she attempted to use pepper spray to deter her attackers but was quickly overwhelmed. A video circulating on social media appears to show the former MP on the ground, surrounded by a crowd of aggressive individuals. The footage has intensified public discourse about the safety and security of politicians, election observers, and voters during electoral processes.
Security Presence Fails to Prevent Assault
Despite the presence of security personnel deployed to maintain order at polling stations, their intervention proved insufficient to stop the assault on the former legislator. The video and eyewitness accounts suggest that the attackers managed to overpower the situation before any meaningful intervention could be made.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances of the incident or outlining any arrests made in connection with the attack. Meanwhile, investigations are reportedly underway to determine the motive behind the violence and to identify the individuals responsible.
Calls for Improved Electoral Security
The alleged assault on Mavis Hawa Koomson has raised renewed concerns about electoral violence and personal safety during Ghana’s elections. Political leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the public have called for enhanced security measures to protect stakeholders, especially women in politics, who often face additional risks.
Madam Koomson, who previously served as the Minister for Special Development Initiatives, is a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Her assault has sparked outrage among party supporters and could potentially escalate tensions between political parties in the region if not addressed promptly and transparently.
Awaiting Justice and Accountability
As investigations into the incident continue, many are calling for justice and accountability for those responsible. Hawa Koomson’s decision to come forward with her experience reflects the ongoing challenges facing Ghana’s electoral processes, particularly the need for non-violent political participation and protection for all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.
For now, the former MP remains focused on recovering her digital access and urging the public to remain cautious of any suspicious messages or posts attributed to her until her mobile device is secured.
