The Awutu Senya East constituency, represented by its Member of Parliament, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has gained some notoriety for a lot of ills that have happened over the last few years.

The constituency, which is one of the highly-contested seats in the Central Region by the two dominant political parties: New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, has recorded several scandals in just 7 months in 2024.

From shooting incidents to heated exchanges, here are some events that have happened and are linked to the two candidates vying for the seat: Mavis Hawa Koomson and Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor.

1. Attack on journalist:

During a vetting process for parliamentary aspirants at the Central Regional Coordinating Council in Cape Coast, on January 2024, supporters of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, reportedly attacked and assaulted a journalist named David Kobbina.

The supporters reportedly mistook the journalist for someone else who insulted the bigwig of the party on live television.

2. Hawa Koomson blacklisted by GJA:

A directive by the Ghana Journalists Association barred the media from reporting or featuring Mavis Hawa Koomson on their platforms in protest against the attack of the journalist mentioned above.

A statement by the GJA president said the blackout was in its right order to protect its members from future attacks.

“We believe there are thugs, unreasonable and evil-minded people around the MP who pose serious threat to the life of journalists and other media practitioners.

"We have nothing against the MP but we are scared of the people around her. All media practitioners should stay away from Mavis Hawa Koomson,” he added.

3. Son of Hawa Koomson stabbed:

Ato Koomson, son of the MP for the area, was stabbed in the chest in a chaotic encounter between members of the NPP and the NDC at the electoral commission’s office at Kasoa.

The commotion erupted when the two political parties disagreed on the position of some residents in the queue during the voter ID cards transfer and replacement exercise in June 2024.

4. Naa Koryoo’s arrest:

The NDC parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, was detained in June by the police after a pump-action gun was found in her possession.

Her detainment led to protests by her supporters at the Police Headquarters to demand her release.

5. Heated exchange between Hawa Koomson and Naa Koryoo:

Tempers flared during a live debate organized by TV3, between Hawa Koomson and her contender, Phillis Naa Koryoo.

Hawa Koomson criticized her opponent, stating that Phillis is not well-informed on the constituency's issues and therefore must be replaced by the NDC.

"She is not on top of issues. You see, if you want to do chew and pour, you have to get sit down and learn well so that you will have your facts," Hawa Koomson said.

Her contribution was interrupted by the audience, who were calling for a change in the constituency, however, she responded to their calls by saying, “Yes, you need to change your candidate because she is not, not, not. They need to change her."

In response, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor called for an issue-based and intellectual debate.

She expressed disappointment in the direction of the conversation and emphasized the need for mature discussion.

"I believe you will debate on issues. I believe we are here as intellectuals; I believe we are here as mature minds, and we are here to debate on issues," Phillis angrily said.

Hawa Koomson then responded by asserting that she is more mature than Phillis.

"But I am more mature than you. I can give birth to you; my second daughter is 30 years old. My first child is 32 years old," she said.

Phillis further urged Hawa Koomson to focus on the issues, dismissing her comments.

“If you cannot sell your product, don't blame the marketer,” she responded.

MAG/AE