Hawa Koomson allegedly assaulted by thugs during Ablekuma North rerun

Former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, was reportedly assaulted during violent clashes at a polling station in Ablekuma North amid the parliamentary election rerun on Friday.

The incident occurred at the Odorkor Methodist Church polling station, one of the 19 designated centers where the Electoral Commission is conducting a rerun to resolve a months-long electoral dispute following the December 2024 general elections.

Eyewitnesses say tensions flared shortly after Koomson arrived at the station. Her presence allegedly triggered a confrontation with unidentified men believed to be affiliated with opposing political groups. According to reports, the confrontation escalated when Koomson pulled out pepper spray in response to the verbal abuse and intimidation. This led to a violent clash between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In the melee, Koomson was physically assaulted — beaten, kicked, and dragged on the ground, before police officers intervened to rescue her from the scene. She was later whisked away to safety.

The chaotic scenes have further heightened political tensions in the constituency, which has been without parliamentary representation since December 2024 due to disputed election results. The Electoral Commission is conducting the rerun in 19 polling stations to address concerns over verification irregularities.

Although the NPP leadership announced a boycott of the rerun, their parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, defied the directive and contested the election — a move that has intensified friction between party factions and opposing camps on the ground.

The police have yet to comment on the alleged assault, but the incident has drawn sharp condemnation from observers and party members alike. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made.

As voting concludes, the rerun remains overshadowed by episodes of violence and growing calls for tighter security and accountability from all sides.