Pepper spray, a chemical spray that causes pain, inflammation, and temporary blindness has recently become a subject of discussion after an attack on NPP National Women’s Organiser, Hawa Koomson, during a rerun at Ablekuma North Constituency in 2025.

Hawa Koomson has subsequently called for the legalisation of pepper spray in Ghana, recounting how it became handy to her during the attack at the Ablekuma North elections.

She has since appealed to the government to make pepper spray legally available to citizens as a means of enhancing personal security.

Her comments have renewed discussion about pepper spray, how it works, its potential role in personal security and the safeguards that would be required if civilians were permitted to possess and use it.

What is pepper spray?

Pepper spray is a self-defence device that releases a chemical irritant, commonly oleoresin capsicum (OC), derived from hot peppers.

When sprayed into the face, it can cause intense burning of the eyes and skin, excessive tearing, coughing and temporary difficulty in seeing.

How does pepper spray work?

The active chemical irritates the eyes, nose, mouth and respiratory system. Exposure can cause:

• Severe burning and irritation

• Profuse tearing

• Temporary loss of vision

• Coughing and difficulty breathing

• Disorientation

• Burning sensations on exposed skin

'I will make sure every woman has pepper spray if I win' – Hawa Koomson

The effects are generally temporary, although the severity can vary depending on the amount of exposure and the circumstances.

Why is it used for personal security?

Pepper spray is generally intended to give a person an opportunity to escape from an immediate threat, rather than physically overpower an attacker.

The temporary effects may create enough time for a person to move away, call for help or reach a safer location.

This is why pepper spray is often regarded as a less-lethal self-defence option.

Could pepper spray itself pose security risks?

Yes. Improper use can result in accidental exposure, including to the person carrying it. In crowded or enclosed spaces, other people could also be affected.

There is also the possibility that an attacker could take the device from its owner and use it against them or another person.

Any policy allowing civilian possession would therefore need to consider both personal protection and the potential for misuse.

Pepper spray and the police

Pepper spray would not replace the work of the police or other professional security services. Its proposed role would primarily be as an additional means of responding to an immediate personal threat.

The debate following Hawa Koomson’s comments therefore goes beyond whether citizens should be allowed to carry pepper spray.

It also raises questions about regulation, training, responsible use and accountability if Ghana adopts such a policy.

MRA/VPO

THE LOWDOWN: GES PRO Speaks on SHS Placement Crisis and Teachers’ Strike