This is why REGSEC halts planned reopening of Ho Central Mosque
The Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has halted plans to reopen the Ho Central Mosque after a fresh security assessment revealed lingering tensions within the Ho Zongo community despite a peace agreement between the two feuding Muslim leaders.
The Ho Central Mosque has remained closed since January 1, 2026, following a violent shooting incident on December 26, 2025, during evening prayers linked to a longstanding leadership dispute over the Volta Regional Chief Imam position. Reports by JoyNews indicated that armed men allegedly stormed the mosque and opened fire on worshippers, leaving several people injured.
Following the incident, REGSEC declared the mosque a crime scene and temporarily shut it down to allow investigations and mediation efforts between the rival factions loyal to Alhaji Muniru Ali Mohamed and Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid.
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, together with members of REGSEC, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, met members of the Zongo community in Ho ahead of the planned reopening of the mosque following mediation efforts involving the two Muslim leaders.
However, the reopening exercise could not proceed after the two leaders failed to appear at the engagement, although their supporters and several community members had gathered at the mosque premises under tight security presence.
Addressing the media after the engagement, Hon. Gunu explained that intelligence and security assessments conducted by REGSEC indicated that tensions were still high within the community, making the environment unsafe for the reopening of the mosque at this time.
He stated that although both leaders had earlier signed a peace bond and pledged to work together in the interest of peace and unity, the priority of REGSEC remains the maintenance of peace, law, and order within the Ho Zongo community and the Volta Region at large.
The Regional Minister assured residents that engagements with key stakeholders and community leaders would continue until authorities are satisfied that conditions are suitable for the safe reopening of the mosque.
He also assured the Muslim community that justice will be served all offenders who were involved in the shooting incident.
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