This was after extensive meetings and consultations by the Council following a gunshot incident at the mosque a week ago, where gunmen opened fire on worshippers, injuring a number of people.

Background

The Ho Muslim community had witnessed a protracted conflict for about 5 years over who would become the Volta Regional Chief Imam.

The community has therefore been divided into two, with each part owing allegiance to Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid and Alhaji Muniru Ali, who both claim to be the Volta Regional Chief Imam.

Despite the National Chief Imam selecting and installing Alhaji Muniru Ali as the legitimate Volta Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid and his followers objected to this, though he was appointed as the Deputy Volta Regional Chief Imam.

They cited that the Muniru faction had influenced the office of the National Chief Imam to twist facts to suit their preferred candidate.

There has since been a power play over who has the authority over the Ho Central Mosque, where the followers of Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid have refused to allow Alhaji Muniru Ali to lead prayers.

Gunshot incident

26th December 2025 witnessed a tragic incident of a gunshot in the Central Mosque, linked to the chieftaincy impasse.

Eleven people suffered gunshot wounds at various parts of their bodies, including legs and arms, as a result of sporadic shootings at the mosque.

Some 14 people who were arrested in connection with the incident and were sent to the Police Headquarters in Accra were released after interrogation.

Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Akorli, speaking to the media, had indicated his outfit learnt the incident was premeditated after preliminary investigation.

Closure of Ho Central mosque

To prevent chaos and ensure safety and peace, the Volta Regional Security Council closed down the central mosque for two weeks.

A press release signed by the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, declared the mosque a crime scene, explaining the decision was part of a set of steps being taken to resolve the conflict.

“The temporary closure will provide a calm and neutral environment to facilitate mediation efforts aimed at resolving ongoing disputes and restoring harmony among all parties involved,” he said.

The mosque area has since been placed under high security, with about 120 military and police personnel stationed to guard the facility, which is under lock and key.

Community reaction

The announcement was welcomed with mixed reactions from the Ho Zongo community, compelling Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid and his followers to worship in an open space under tents.

A youth leader in the Zongo community, Kidza Mohammed, described the directive as an infringement on their right to worship, urging the authorities to “handle the issue devoid of favouritism”.

He bemoaned the instance where innocent people have become victims entangled in the power play, hoping “a solution will be delivered at the shortest possible time.”

On the other hand, the spokesperson for Alhaji Muniru Ali, Chief Adamu Hamani, welcomed the decision to close the mosque, believing it would help calm nerves, since it has become the bone of contention.

He unequivocally condemned the shooting incident, explaining that “it does not conform to the teachings and practices of the Islamic religion.”

Plea from Community members

Residents have lamented the protracted conflict, fearing its consequences on the development of economic and social aspects of the community.

Ayishatu Adamu expressed worry about the unfortunate incidents surrounding the Regional Chief Imam race, fearing it may truncate her education and perhaps make other residents orphans.

“I am a student; supposing my dad was shot dead, who would take care of my education and other needs? So, we are begging the authorities to do something about this quickly,” she pleaded.

Hajia Sherifatu questioned the “unconcerned” posture of political leaders in the municipality and requested the authorities to do due diligence to find an amicable and permanent solution to the conflict.

“It has been one week now since people were shot; even if fowls are killed, we feel pity for them. Where is the Municipal Chief Executive, where is the Member of Parliament, and where is the Regional Minister? None of them have come to visit us. Why?” she quizzed.

The closure comes in the wake of disturbances last week, during which armed individuals reportedly stormed the mosque and opened fire on worshippers, raising serious security concerns.

The unrest is linked to a protracted dispute over the Imamship, with two rival factions laying claim to the leadership of the Muslim community in the region.

On Friday, the main mosque remained locked under tight security, while some members of the Muslim community were seen preparing the residence of one of the factions to hold Friday prayers outside.

Meanwhile, REGSEC, in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior, has ordered the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque for two weeks, effective Thursday, January 1, 2026.

In a statement, REGSEC said the decision was taken to prevent further tension and possible escalation within the Muslim community in Ho following the leadership dispute.

The council also declared the mosque premises a crime scene to allow for thorough investigations into the incident.

“The location under dispute is hereby declared a crime scene to facilitate further investigation until a permanent resolution is achieved concerning the ongoing impasse,” REGSEC stated.

According to the security body, the closure is not punitive but rather a preventive measure aimed at restoring calm and enabling dialogue among the feuding parties.

“This decision has been taken solely in the interest of peace, unity and the long-term stability of the Muslim community in Ho,” REGSEC added.

Security personnel are expected to maintain their presence in the area as investigations continue and mediation efforts are pursued to resolve the dispute.

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The decision follows a violent incident on December 26, when masked individuals allegedly entered the mosque during prayers and opened fire, leaving at least 10 worshippers injured. Two of the victims are reported to be in critical condition.

In a statement signed by Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, REGSEC said the decision was taken after an emergency security meeting held to address escalating tensions linked to rival claims to the position of Volta Regional Chief Imam by Shaikh Muniru and Shaikh Anas.

The mosque has since been designated a crime scene to allow for unhindered police investigations.

According to REGSEC, the temporary shutdown is intended to de-escalate tensions and provide a neutral space for dialogue and mediation between the feuding factions.

“This decision has been taken solely in the interest of peace, unity, and the long-term stability of the Muslim community in Ho,” the statement said.

The council appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and cooperate with ongoing mediation efforts, assuring the public that the closure is a short-term measure aimed at restoring calm.

Meanwhile, the National Chief Imam, Shaikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has condemned the attack and reaffirmed his recognition of Shaikh Ali Muniru as the legitimate Volta Regional Chief Imam.

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The disturbance reportedly occurred around 9:30 a.m. when a group of masked men, said to be armed, entered the mosque area and attempted to force some individuals away from the premises ahead of Jummah prayers.

The situation quickly deteriorated, with sporadic gunshots causing fear and confusion among those present.

Initial information suggests that at least seven people sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

They are reported to be receiving medical attention, while security agencies continue to assess the full extent of the casualties.

Although the exact trigger of the violence has not yet been officially established, residents have linked the incident to the long-standing dispute within the Zongo community over the rightful Volta Regional Chief Imam.

In response, a joint team of more than 20 police and military personnel was deployed to the area to restore calm and secure the mosque and its surroundings. Despite the tension, residents were seen preparing to proceed with Jummah prayers under heavy security presence.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the roles of those arrested.