By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Jan. 01, GNA – The Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior, has directed the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque for a period of two weeks, effective Thursday, January 14, 2026.
A statement signed by Mr James Gunu the Volta Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC, explained that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the Council to address escalating tensions within the Muslim community in Ho.
The tensions, according to the statement, arose from a dispute involving two individuals claiming the position of Volta Regional Chief Imam.
REGSEC announced that the area under dispute had been declared a crime scene to enable thorough investigations while efforts were made to reach a permanent resolution to the impasse.
The Council stressed that the decision was taken solely in the interest of peace, unity, and the long-term stability of the Muslim community in Ho.
The statement noted that the temporary closure was intended to create a calm and neutral atmosphere to facilitate mediation and constructive engagement among all parties.
REGSEC emphasised that peaceful dialogue remained the most effective means of resolving the differences and appealed to the feuding factions to exercise restraint and give peace a genuine chance.
“The safety of worshippers, the sanctity of the mosque and the unity of the community remain our highest priorities,” the statement said, expressing confidence that with cooperation, mutual respect and commitment to peace, the Ho Central Mosque would soon reopen to serve its purpose as a place of worship, unity and spiritual growth.
Meanwhile, a separate statement signed by Mr Abdul-Razak Abubakar on behalf of the Ho Zongo Community has rejected the decision to close the mosque, describing it as unacceptable and alleging that it was influenced by the Volta Regional Minister.
According to the statement, the Ho Central Mosque had remained peaceful for many years until a group allegedly led by one Ali Muniru forcefully entered the premises with armed men, during which gunshots were reportedly fired.
The community said the incident endangered lives and violated the sanctity of the mosque.
The Ho Zongo Community questioned what concrete actions had been taken by authorities following the alleged shooting incident, whether those responsible had been properly investigated and prosecuted, and why a peaceful Muslim community was being “punished” through the closure of its central mosque.
It also raised concerns about the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
The statement said the Muslim community of Ho would continue to demand justice, adequate security, and respect for its right to worship freely and peacefully, and called on relevant authorities, civil society organisations and the media to take keen interest in the matter to ensure fairness and justice prevail.
REGSEC has, however, reiterated its appeal for calm as investigations and mediation efforts continue, aimed at restoring peace, unity, and stability within the Muslim community in Ho.
Armed bandits on December 26, 2025, besieged the premises of the Mosque for forcibly takeover but met resistance from worshippers, leading to gunshots that wounded some nine people, who were rushed to Ho Teaching Hospital but treated and discharged.
Some suspects were rounded up in Police investigations.
There has been a running battle on leadership of Imamship splitting the community into factions suspected to be the underlining friction.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei