Betty Mensah Congratulates Koomson, Rejects Pepper Spray For Women Organisers

Accra — The National Women’s Organiser aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, has congratulated Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson on her election as the National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mensah, in a statement, wished Koomson wisdom, strength and success as she assumes responsibility for leading the women’s wing of the opposition party.

“As a former Member of Parliament myself, I understand the responsibility that comes with leadership and the expectations placed on women who occupy important positions in our political parties,” Mensah said.

However, she expressed concern over the reported suggestion that pepper spray should be provided to women organisers as a response to political violence.

Mensah said she understood that the proposal might have been intended to promote personal safety and self-defence, particularly in view of Koomson’s reported experiences.

She, however, argued that women leaders should promote peace, unity, stability and responsible leadership rather than measures that could be perceived as encouraging violence or confrontation.

“While I congratulate Hon. Hawa, I must respectfully condemn the suggestion of providing pepper spray to women organisers as a response to political violence,” she said.

“As women leaders, I believe our message must fundamentally be one of peace, unity, stability and responsible leadership, rather than anything that may be perceived as promoting violence or confrontation.”

Mensah said the empowerment of women organisers should instead focus on equipping them with practical tools and opportunities to participate meaningfully in political and national development.

“Our women organisers should be empowered with knowledge, skills, economic opportunities, access to resources, leadership training and platforms that strengthen their participation in national development,” she said.

“That is the kind of empowerment that can transform the lives of women and communities.”

She stressed that political differences between the NDC and NPP should not prevent women leaders from pursuing common objectives for the welfare and advancement of Ghanaian women.

“Political differences should not prevent us from having a shared commitment to the welfare and advancement of Ghanaian women,” Mensah said.

“We may belong to different political traditions, but we can work towards a Ghana where women are confident, protected, respected and empowered to lead.”

Mensah also congratulated Koomson personally, describing her as a former colleague in Parliament, and expressed hope that both women could continue to engage constructively despite their political differences.

“Hon. Hawa, congratulations once again on your election. As a former colleague in Parliament, I wish you well in your new responsibility, and I hope we can continue to engage constructively in the broader interest of Ghanaian women,” she said.

The NDC National Women’s Organiser aspirant said her own political ambition remained anchored on an agenda of peace, unity, inclusion and practical empowerment.

“As I pursue my own journey as NDC National Women’s Organiser Hopeful, I remain committed to an agenda founded on peace, unity, inclusion, opportunity, empowerment and strong women’s leadership,” Mensah said.

She concluded with the campaign message: “Women Empowered. Women United. Women Leading.”