‘NPP needs a tough but not violent women’s organiser’ – Afeku throws subtle jab at Hawa Koomson?

Former Minister of Tourism under the Akufo-Addo administration, Catherine Afeku, appears to have thrown a subtle jab at the former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, over her comments regarding the qualities required for the next National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Both former ministers, who are also former legislators, have openly declared their intentions to contest for the National Women’s Organiser position when nominations open.

Speaking in an interview with the media during last weekend’s National Conference of the NPP, Catherine Afeku — who is a former Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira — made a passionate call for the NPP to elect a woman with both strength and humility as the party’s next National Women’s Organiser.

The eloquent and outspoken politician underscored the need for a leader who combines toughness with patience and possesses the emotional intelligence to connect with women across the country.

“For the National Women’s Organiser position, we want a woman who is tough but has patience. That person must have acumen and be ready to listen to the women,” she said.

She further cautioned against electing individuals whose attitudes may tarnish the image of the party. “We don’t want someone who is arrogant and violent. That person should not bring shame to the party with her conduct,” she stressed.

Madam Afeku, who served as a Cabinet Minister and a Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, emphasized that the interests and development of women within the party must remain a top priority at all times.

“What is important is that, at all times, the interest of women and their development will be sought and remain a priority,” she added.

Though Catherine Afeku did not mention any names in her submission, some political watchers believe her comments were directed at Mavis Hawa Koomson, who is undoubtedly one of the most popular female politicians in Ghana and is expected to give Afeku stiff competition during the contest.

Critics of Mavis Hawa Koomson have described her as a violent woman, citing her involvement in the chaos that occurred during the 2020 voters registration exercise in Kasoa during which she fired a pistol allegedly in self defence and the recently held parliamentary rerun at Ablekuma North.

The latter incident reportedly resulted in her being physically assaulted by some thugs believed to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after she allegedly used pepper spray in self-defence.

However, the former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West has vehemently denied the assertion that she is a violent person, stressing that she would never endanger lives.

“I have children and brothers. Why would I want to harm someone’s child? I won’t allow anyone to kill, and I certainly won’t do it myself,” she said in a recent interview on Asempa FM