NDC Women’s Organiser Abigail Mensah condemns alleged pepper spray plot by Hawa Koomson

Abigail Elorm Akwambea Mensah, Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has condemned reported acts of violence and disorder surrounding the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) national executive elections, while criticising remarks attributed to the party’s newly elected National Women’s Organiser, Mavis Hawa Koomson, about plans to distribute pepper spray to women.

In a statement issued on behalf of the NDC Women’s Wing, Ms Mensah congratulated the newly elected NPP national executives but said the conclusion of the party’s internal elections should not overshadow concerns about the conduct of the process.

She noted that the event, which was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., reportedly commenced around midday, while allegations of violence and disorder raised concerns about discipline and democratic maturity.

“The NPP must understand that leadership is not simply about occupying positions; it is about respecting delegates, upholding order, accepting accountability, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to peaceful politics,” she stated.

Ms Mensah condemned what she described as acts of violence, intimidation and political lawlessness, insisting that no political party should create an atmosphere of fear among its members or encourage the use of force in the pursuit of political power.

She said Ghana’s democracy must not be reduced to a contest of threats and intimidation, adding that women should be empowered to contribute to peace, development, civic participation and national progress rather than being drawn into partisan confrontations.

Criticism of alleged pepper spray plan

The NDC deputy women’s organiser expressed particular concern about statements attributed to Ms Koomson regarding a plan to provide pepper spray to women in the NPP.

Describing the reported declaration as irresponsible and provocative, Ms Mensah argued that such an approach was inconsistent with the responsibility of a national women’s leader to inspire, organise and empower women.

“Pepper spray is not a badge of political empowerment. It is not a campaign tool. It is not a substitute for leadership,” she said.

She maintained that women’s empowerment should be centred on education, economic opportunities, effective organisation, confidence and the protection of their democratic rights.

According to her, rhetoric that could heighten political tensions, encourage intimidation or endanger public safety should be discouraged, particularly as the country prepares for the 2028 general elections.

NDC Women’s Wing pledges lawful resistance

Ms Mensah reaffirmed the NDC Women’s Wing’s commitment to protecting its members and defending democratic principles, while emphasising that any resistance to intimidation would remain lawful.

“As Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the NDC, I state with absolute clarity that I stand with a disciplined, courageous, and well-organised NDC Women’s Wing,” she said.

She added that the group would not be intimidated or silenced and would oppose attempts to turn the 2028 general elections into an environment of violence.

“Our answer to threats will be unity; our answer to provocation will be courage; and our answer to political violence will be firm, lawful, strategic, and uncompromising democratic action,” she stated.

She stressed that the NDC remained committed to peace but warned that its commitment should not be interpreted as weakness.

Calls for responsible opposition

Despite her criticisms, Ms Mensah reiterated her congratulations to the newly elected NPP executives and expressed hope that they would demonstrate responsible leadership.

She urged the opposition party to become a credible and responsible political force, rather than be associated with disorder, intimidation and what she described as the reckless politics of pepper-spray distribution.

Her statement comes amid renewed calls for political parties and their supporters to promote peaceful engagement and democratic participation ahead of the 2028 general elections.