‘I was almost killed on three separate occasions’ – Awutu Senya East MP recounts

According to the Awutu Senya East MP, her political journey during the 2020 and 2024 general elections was marked by threats and intimidation.

She recounted that there were three alleged assassination attempts against her, wearing a bulletproof vest for eight months while breastfeeding and her arrest ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor revealed that wearing the protective vest for such a prolonged period while breastfeeding her baby took a physical toll on her, leaving her with severe body pains.

Speaking at the Women’s Leadership Breakfast hosted by Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, stated, “I was almost killed on three separate occasions. I lost, but I didn’t give up. I was called names, I was called a failure, but I didn’t give up”.

“Wearing a bulletproof vest for eight months wasn’t easy. When you finish, your back is aching. It is not easy, so my sister, try again and push,” she said.

She further recounted her arrest ahead of the 2024 general elections, saying, “Before the election, I was mysteriously arrested. I was arrested because I had a licensed gun in my car. And what was my offence? My identity card had my name, Naa Koryoo but when it came to the renewal of my licensed gun, the police officer who renewed it omitted one ‘o’. So, apparently, there were two different personalities, and I was arrested”.

The MP further claimed that her detention attracted national attention and prompted intervention from John Dramani Mahama, who was in opposition.

She recounted, “The whole of Ghana came to a standstill. The President of the Republic of Ghana had to cancel an important meeting to hold a press conference before I was released”.

The Awutu Senya East MP, reflecting on the violence surrounding her political campaigns, also recounted an alleged gunpoint attack during the 2024 elections.

“In 2024, I went, I contested and again, I was almost killed at gunpoint. Unfortunately, I lost one person, and I have people whose legs and hands are amputated, but Naa Koryoo is still sitting here alive,” she stated.

According to the MP, the challenges she encountered were tests of her resilience and determination as a woman seeking political leadership, adding that she refused to allow intimidation, threats or personal setbacks to derail her political ambitions.

She also urged women aspiring to leadership positions not to abandon their dreams because of adversity.

In other news, the bodyguards of Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Naa Koryoo Okunor, have been arrested for allegedly engaging in a gold robbery operation.

Reports by Crime Check TV GH on August 3, 2026, detailed that the suspects, who served as bodyguards to the MP, robbed a gold dealer.

According to Crime Check TV GH, the suspects allegedly used tactical uniforms resembling those of military and police personnel during the robbery.

The two bodyguards have been identified as Justice Kpappo Mingle, 31 and Justice Mensah.

The information gathered suggests Mingle, before the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed power, worked as a photographer before later becoming a bodyguard for the MP, while Mensah was reportedly a vulcaniser before taking up the same role.

Also, the victim has been identified as George Osei Tutu, a gold dealer from Bekwai in the Ashanti Region.

Reports suggest he was allegedly transporting gold valued at GH¢165,000 from Denkyie to Fomena when the suspects intercepted him, forcing him to divert onto a bush road and robbing him of the gold.

The two also made away with the victim’s car keys and other personal belongings before fleeing the scene.

Police probes have revealed that the suspects hid in a nearby bush, changed out of their tactical uniforms and later travelled to Adansi Asokwa, lodging at Adom Ara Kwa Guest House before proceeding to Kasoa.

According to the Police, their investigations were aided by a mistake allegedly made by Justice Mingle, who left his wallet at the robbery scene, which contained his identification cards and business cards, enabling investigators to trace him.

The Police detailed that they subsequently tracked and arrested Mingle at Nyanano.

#creatorsearchinsights ‘I wore bullet proof vest for 8 months while I was breastfeeding my child because of fear, intimidation and attacks on me’ – Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Akunor speaks on her struggle to get power as a woman https://t.co/Dx5Hh00Nry