In a controversial interview that has sparked public outcry, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund and National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has offered a startling justification for the alleged assault on former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson during the chaotic Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday.
Speaking to Channel One TV’s Fauzu Masawudu, Bissiw implied that the violence Koomson experienced was a consequence of her own political past.
“What didn’t Hawa Koomson do? What I’m trying to say is that violence begets violence. If you live by the sword, you’ll die by the sword,” Bissiw remarked.
Background to the Incident
The rerun, which was held across 19 polling centers in the constituency, was marred by reports of violence. According to eyewitnesses and police sources, Hawa Koomson and NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie were allegedly physically assaulted by a group of unidentified men at the St. Peter’s Society polling station.
Although no official confirmation has been given on the identities of the attackers, the incident has drawn heavy criticism from both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and civil society observers monitoring the polls.
Dismissing claims that the NDC orchestrated the attack, Dr. Bissiw suggested it could have been the result of internal party conflict within the NPP.
“Nobody sent anyone to go and beat her. As far as I am concerned, it may even be an internal something that they visited on her,” she said.
Bissiw also recalled a past encounter with Koomson, accusing her of once leading an attack against her:
“I was beaten because she led thugs to come and beat me up. Has she forgotten?”
Despite the reported violence, Bissiw maintained that the rerun was largely peaceful from the NDC’s perspective, asserting that her party had no reason to disrupt the election.
“This is very peaceful. We are taking the day, and we do not have any need to destroy the elections because we are winning,” she said confidently.
Dr. Bissiw’s comments have drawn widespread condemnation, with political analysts warning that such rhetoric from senior party figures can fuel political polarization and justify future acts of violence.
Follow Hyping Ghana for real-time updates on the Ablekuma North rerun and other breaking political stories.
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