Former Senior Presidential Aide Dr. Tony Aidoo has condemned the recent assault on former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, describing the act as unjustifiable.
“Nothing justifies the assault against Hawa Koomson,” Dr. Aidoo stated in an exclusive interview with JoyNews, adding that political differences or personal style cannot warrant physical violence.
While acknowledging that the former minister’s conduct can be divisive, Dr. Aidoo defended her right to participate in public events.
“She has the right to be there. But Hawa Koomson often conducts herself in a confrontational manner—like a one-woman warrior. She tends to provoke reactions, but that still does not excuse an attack,” he said.
He urged authorities to act swiftly to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
“She may be seen as a rabble-rouser, but violence is unacceptable. The government must act to bring the culprits to justice,” he emphasized.
Dr. Aidoo also addressed the political implications, calling on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stay true to its core principles of probity, accountability, and social justice.
“The NDC has a moral obligation—not just because it is the ruling party, but because of its origins. It was founded on strong values, and those must be upheld,” he stressed.
He further advised President John Mahama to ensure that the government distances itself from any form of political violence, drawing comparisons to the Ayawaso West Wuogon incident.
“The standard for judging this government must be higher. President Mahama must make sure history doesn’t repeat itself,” he said.
While distinguishing between the recent Ablekuma North incident and the Ayawaso West episode, Dr. Aidoo maintained that the NDC bears some responsibility due to allegations linking the attackers to the party.
“Ayawaso was state-sponsored thuggery; Ablekuma North appears different. Still, if the individuals involved are linked to the NDC, then the party must cooperate fully with investigations,” he concluded, stressing the need for police action to establish the facts.
