At least 10 people have suffered gunshot wounds and other injuries, with two currently in critical condition, after an armed attack at the Ho Central Mosque in the Volta Region on Friday, December 26.
Reports by Accra-based Citi News indicate that about five masked men stormed the mosque and opened fire, sending worshippers fleeing for safety.
Although police have not officially confirmed the motive behind the attack, the violence is widely linked to a long-standing leadership dispute over the Imamship of the mosque.
Security personnel responded promptly to the incident, leading to the arrest of several suspects.
The military has since been deployed to Ho to bolster security, calm tensions, and prevent further disturbances.
Some of the injured victims, speaking to Citi News from their hospital beds, described moments of intense fear as gunshots rang out and people scrambled to escape the mosque premises.
Speaking on the incident, Mohammed Kidzah, a youth leader at the mosque, appealed for urgent action to resolve the prolonged dispute, warning that continued inaction could fuel more violence.
“The incident occurred just seconds after the Regional Chief Imam had left the area. The person who directed the shooting urged the attackers on, telling them that the Chief Imam was the target and must be shot. Acting on his instructions, they opened fire. When the Imam ran into a house, the attackers shot his son in the leg,” he said.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to restore calm in the area.
