Nothing justifies assault on Hawa Koomson – Tony Aidoo

Nothing Justifies Assault on Hawa Koomson – Tony Aidoo

Veteran politician and former diplomat Dr. Tony Aidoo has strongly condemned the recent assault on Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, calling it a dangerous act that has no place in Ghana’s democratic space.

In a sharp statement issued during a media interview on Monday, Dr. Aidoo expressed deep concern over the rising trend of politically motivated violence and warned that the attack on a sitting minister, regardless of one's views about her, sets a troubling precedent.

“Nothing justifies physically attacking a public official. If we allow this to stand, we are normalizing lawlessness and undermining our democratic processes,” he said.

Details of the Incident

Hawa Koomson was reportedly assaulted during a public event in her constituency. While details remain unclear, eyewitnesses claim she was pushed and verbally attacked by a group of individuals believed to be affiliated with a rival political faction.

Police have since launched an investigation, and security around the minister has been reinforced. Hawa Koomson, though shaken, is said to be in stable condition and has vowed not to be intimidated.

A Broader Political Concern

Dr. Aidoo, known for his outspoken views on governance and national discipline, warned that political differences must never be allowed to degenerate into violence.

“We can disagree passionately, but once physical violence enters the scene, we betray the very principles of civil governance we claim to uphold,” he added.

He also urged political leaders across the divide to publicly denounce the attack and commit to fostering a more peaceful and respectful political culture as the 2024 elections approach.

Reactions from Across the Spectrum

Several political figures and civil society groups have echoed Dr. Aidoo’s sentiments. The Ministry of the Interior has described the incident as “an attack on state authority,” while the Ghana Police Service assured the public that arrests would be made soon.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also issued a statement condemning the assault, distancing itself from any acts of violence and calling for calm.

Conclusion

As Ghana gears up for a heated political season, the assault on Hawa Koomson has served as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of political tolerance. Dr. Tony Aidoo’s comments underscore the urgent need to protect democratic dialogue and condemn all forms of violence — regardless of political affiliation.

The focus now turns to law enforcement and political leadership to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur. b