The Ho Zongo Community has strongly opposed the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque, describing the decision as unacceptable and unfair to a peaceful Muslim community.
In a statement issued by the Ulema of the Ho Zongo Community in the Volta Region, the group said Muslims in Ho have worshipped peacefully at the mosque for many years without incident.
According to the statement, tensions only arose when a group allegedly forcefully entered the mosque with armed men, during which gunshots were reportedly fired within the premises. The community said the incident endangered lives and violated the sanctity of the place of worship.
The Ulema questioned why the mosque was closed instead of authorities focusing on providing adequate security and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are properly investigated and prosecuted. They also raised concerns about what they described as selective actions that appear to favour one faction over justice, neutrality and the rule of law.
The statement, signed by the Secretary of the Ho Zongo Community, Abdul-Razak Abubakar, called on the appropriate authorities, civil society organisations and the media to take a keen interest in the matter to ensure fairness and justice prevail.
The concerns follow a decision by the Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior, to order the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque for two weeks, effective Thursday, January 1, 2026, over an ongoing leadership dispute within the Muslim community.
