Mavis Hawa Koomson
Mavis Hawa Koomson (born 3 February 1966) is a Ghanaian politician and educationist. She is the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency and doubles as the Minister of Special Development Initiatives.[1][2][3][4] She was appointed by President of Ghana Nana Akuffo-Addo on 10 January 2017 as Minister of Special Development Initiatives.[5][6][7]
Mavis Hawa Koomson | |
---|---|
Minister for Special Development | |
Assumed office February 2017 | |
President | Nana Akuffo-Addo |
Awutu-Senya East | |
Assumed office 2012 | |
President | John Atta Mills John Mahama |
Personal details | |
Born | Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana) | 3 February 1966
Nationality | Ghanaian |
Political party | New Patriotic Party |
Children | 3 |
Profession | Educationist |
Early life and Education
Koomson was born in Salaga, Northern Region on 3 February 1966.[8] She holds a diploma and a bachelor's degree in Basic Education from the University Education Winneba.[9] She has earned a masters, postgraduate diploma in public administration (CPA) and postgraduate diploma in public administration(DPA) from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration(GIMPA).[10][11]
Career
Koomson was a teacher by profession, occupying various positions including head teacher, assistant superintendent and Principal superintendent. She was also president of Gender Unit of the Ghana National Association of Teachers Ladies Association (GNATLAS) Sekondi local, treasurer for GNATLAS (Western Region) and secretary for GNATLAS (Takoradi local).[5]
Cabinet minister
In May 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo named Mavis Hawa Koomson as part of nineteen ministers who would form his cabinet.[12] The names of the 19 ministers were submitted the Parliament of Ghana and announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Prof. Mike Ocquaye.[12] As a Cabinet minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson is part of the inner circle of the president and is to aid in key decision-making activities in the country.[12]
Controversy
In July 2020, Hawa Koomson breached security laws and fired gunshots into a crowd of citizens who were in the process of registering for the controversial voters ID card.[13][14] This incident occurred in Kasoa. The Minister claimed she was informed of foreigners who had come from different towns to register in her constituency. She regarded this as a thread to her party's victory in the upcoming elections. The Minister claimed that the act was in self-defense because she felt threatened. She responded to the invitation of the CID of the police in the Central region.[7] Her gun was retrieved by the Central Regional police. The license covering the weapon was also retrieved when she reported to the police in Cape Coast.[15]
References
- Prince, Akpah. "LIST OF THE 29 WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT". Retrieved 2016-09-15.
- "NDC calls for arrest of 'gangster' Hawa Koomson". MyJoyOnline.com. 2020-07-22. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- "Your actions will have 'collateral implications' - Baako roasts Hawa Koomson". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-07-22. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- "Knocks for Ghana female lawmaker wey fire gunshot for voter registration centre - Read wetin we know about Hawa". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- Online, Peace FM. "Profile of Hon Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister-Designate For Special Development Initiative". Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- "Fire Hawa Koomson over gunshot - Bonaa tells Nana Addo". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- "Hawa Koomson response to CID invitation". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- Pulse. "Mavis Hawa Koomson". www.pulse.com.gh. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- Pulse. "Mavis Hawa Koomson - Mavis Hawa Koomson - Pulse". pulse.com.gh. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
- "Mavis Hawa Koomson –Special Development Initiatives - Government of Ghana". www.ghana.gov.gh. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- Ghana, ICT Dept. Office of Parliament. "Parliament of Ghana". www.parliament.gh. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- FM, Citi. "Arts Minister Catherine Afeku makes it to Cabinet". ghanaweb.com. ghanaweb. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
- "NPP must sanction Hawa Koomson – Peace Council condemns Kasoa shooting". MyJoyOnline.com. 2020-07-22. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- "Hawa Koomson: Minister fires gun at registration centre, 4 arrested". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
- "Police retrieve Hawa Koomson's gun". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-07-25.
- "Ghana MPs - MP Details - Koomson, Hawa Mavis". ghanamps.com. Retrieved 2016-09-15.