Stories and facts
Born on February 3, 1966, in Salaga, a town nestled in the Northern Region of Ghana, Mavis Hawa Koomson embarked on a journey that would lead her to a distinguished political career.
She received her teacher training education at the Bimbilla Training College, a crucial stepping stone in her pursuit of knowledge. Her educational journey continued at the University of Education, Winneba, where she earned a diploma and a bachelor's degree in Basic Education in 2011.
Koomson's commitment to education and personal development didn't stop there. She obtained a master's degree, a postgraduate diploma in public administration (CPA), and another postgraduate diploma in public administration (DPA) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Koomson began her professional life as a teacher and quickly climbed the ranks, holding various positions such as headteacher, assistant superintendent, and Principal superintendent. Her dedication extended to her role as the president of the Gender Unit of the Ghana National Association of Teachers Ladies Association (GNATLAS) Sekondi local. She also served as the treasurer for GNATLAS in the Western Region and secretary for GNATLAS in the Takoradi local branch.
Mavis Hawa Koomson is a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and currently serves as the Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region of Ghana. In May 2017, she was named as one of the ministers who would form the cabinet of President Nana Akufo-Addo. This role placed her in the inner circle of the president, where she actively participates in key decision-making activities in the country.
One of her most notable roles has been her appointment as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. In this capacity, Koomson has strived to enhance the contributions of the fisheries sector to national development. Her focus is on sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, and the eradication of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
In the 2020 Ghanaian general elections, Koomson secured victory in the Awutu Senya East Constituency parliamentary seat, garnering 57,114 votes, making up 52.6% of the total votes cast.
Koomson is an active member of the Business Committee in Ghana's Parliament. Her dedication to the legislative process is evident in her involvement in various committees, including the Select Committee for Lands and Natural Resources.
Notably, in July 2020, Hawa Koomson was involved in a controversial incident where she fired gunshots into a crowd of citizens who were in the process of registering for a controversial voter's ID card. She claimed it was an act of self-defence due to perceived threats. This incident generated significant attention and led to her cooperation with the Central Region police.
Beyond her political career, Mavis Hawa Koomson is a devoted Christian and is married with three children. Her Christian faith and family values have undoubtedly influenced her approach to public service.
Koomson's dedication to her community extends to philanthropic endeavours. She introduced an annual soccer competition called the "Kasoa MP's Cup" to engage and empower the youth in her constituency. Additionally, in 2021, she contributed to the construction of a church hall for the Bethel Methodist Church in Kasoa.
Mavis Hawa Koomson is a multi-faceted figure in Ghanaian politics and education, with a track record of dedication to public service, education, and community development. Her commitment to sustainable fisheries management, involvement in key parliamentary committees, and her philanthropic efforts are indicative of her passion for her constituents and the advancement of her nation. She continues to be a dynamic force in Ghana, working toward positive change and development.
