Accra, Ghana — Tensions flared in the Ghanaian Parliament as Laadi Ayii Ayamba, the representative for Pusiga, downplayed the recent violent attack on former Member of Parliament Mavis Hawa Koomson during a by-election. Ayamba contended that political violence is not a new phenomenon in Ghana, pointing to various incidents in the past involving assaults on political activists, including existing parliamentarians.
During a session on July 16, 2025, Ayamba responded to a statement from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who labeled the assault on Koomson a meticulously orchestrated military-style attack aimed at political opponents. Afenyo-Markin called for the condemnation of politically motivated violence, urging lawmakers and civil society to take a stand against such behavior.
The minority leader’s remarks ignited significant backlash from members of the majority party, with Ayamba questioning the sincerity of their concerns. She accused the minority of hypocrisy, asserting they remained silent during previous incidents when they were in power. “This current outcry stands in stark contrast,” she said, emphasizing the history of violence that has persisted in the country without adequate response.
While Ayamba condemned the violence Koomson faced, she argued that highlighting this specific incident as exceptional was misleading. “After numerous acts of electoral violence, this is the first time it has gained such prominence,” she remarked. She referenced her own experiences of electoral violence, recalling a previous attack during the Atiwa by-election that forced her to flee for her safety.
The debate continued as Ayamba expressed disbelief regarding Koomson’s actions during the incident, citing her use of pepper spray. She highlighted the need for a broader discussion on the recurring violence that has plagued past elections, including the tragic loss of lives during the 2020 elections in Techiman South, which she claimed saw no justice or accountability.
Koomson, the former MP for Awutu Senya East, endured a severe attack on July 11, during the Ablekuma North election re-run, allegedly at the hands of those affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). Reports indicated she was physically assaulted, reinforcing fears of political violence within Ghana’s democratic processes.
As members of Parliament grapple with the implications of such violence on the nation’s political landscape, Ayamba’s remarks add a layer of complexity to the discussion. The urgent call for accountability and the need for a collective stand against politically motivated violence remain at the forefront of Parliamentary discussions.
The unfolding situation underscores the broader social and political challenges facing Ghana as the nation seeks to navigate its electoral landscape amid rising tensions and calls for reform.