Former Senior Presidential Aide Dr. Tony Aidoo has strongly denounced the recent assault on former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, emphasizing that violence can never be justified, regardless of political disagreements.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews, Dr. Aidoo acknowledged that while Hawa Koomson’s confrontational political style often stirs controversy, it does not excuse physical attacks. He described her as a “one-woman warrior” whose outspoken nature sometimes provokes tension but insisted that such provocations do not warrant violence.
“I wouldn’t say she should not be present in political spaces; she has every right to be there. However, her personality and behaviour are provocative and often invite challenges. Still, attacking her is unacceptable, and the government must act swiftly to identify and prosecute those responsible,” Dr. Aidoo stated.
Beyond the incident itself, Dr. Aidoo reflected on the broader political climate, highlighting the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) legacy and the heightened responsibility that comes with governing. He urged the ruling party to uphold democratic principles, emphasizing probity, accountability, and social justice as foundational values.
“The NDC, by virtue of its historical journey, carries a moral duty to govern transparently and fairly. This means ensuring incidents like these do not tarnish its record or repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said, referencing the 2019 Ayawaso West violence as a cautionary example.
While distinguishing the recent attack in Ablekuma North from the earlier Ayawaso West crisis—labeling the latter as state-sponsored violence—Dr. Aidoo nonetheless pointed to the NDC’s accountability, noting allegations that some perpetrators are linked to the party.
“There is no concrete evidence yet, and the police must conduct thorough investigations. But the NDC still bears a degree of responsibility to address these issues and maintain peace within its ranks,” he remarked.
Dr. Aidoo’s call for justice and restraint underscores growing concerns over rising political tensions ahead of upcoming elections, reminding all actors of the need for peaceful engagement and respect for democratic norms.
