Here is the rewritten article, structured with clean HTML, optimized for SEO, and expanded to meet the length and pedagogical requirements while maintaining factual accuracy based on the provided text.

Ho Muslim Group Divided Over Closure of Central Mosque: A Deep Dive into the Volta Regional Conflict

Life Pulse Daily | January 3, 2026

The Muslim community in Ho, the capital of Ghana’s Volta Region, finds itself at a painful crossroads following a violent incident and a subsequent government directive. A deep-seated leadership dispute has erupted into public division, culminating in the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque by the Volta Regional Security Council (RSC). This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the events leading to the closure, the background of the chieftaincy struggle, and the implications for religious harmony in the region.

Introduction

Religious sanctuaries are typically places of refuge and peace. However, for the residents of Ho Zongo, the Ho Central Mosque recently became the epicenter of a violent clash that has forced the Regional Security Council to take unprecedented measures. Following a gunshot incident that left eleven worshippers injured, the mosque has been sealed off, sparking a heated debate within the community. While authorities view the closure as a necessary step to prevent further chaos, members of the Ho Muslim group are divided on the move, with some citing religious rights violations and others supporting the heavy-handed approach to restore order.

Key Points

Background

To understand the current crisis, one must look back at the protracted conflict that has plagued the Ho Muslim community for nearly five years. The tension revolves around the legitimate succession to the title of Volta Regional Chief Imam. This leadership vacuum has effectively split the community into two distinct factions, each loyal to a different claimant.

The Two Factions

The first faction pledges allegiance to Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid. The second faction supports Alhaji Muniru Ali. Both men claim the right to lead the region’s Muslim community.

National Intervention and Rejection

The dispute reached a boiling point when the National Chief Imam intervened. Following consultations, the National Chief Imam officially installed Alhaji Muniru Ali as the legitimate Volta Regional Chief Imam. In an attempt to foster unity, Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid was offered the position of Deputy Regional Chief Imam.

However, this compromise was rejected. Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid and his followers disputed the legitimacy of the installation. They accused the Muniru Ali faction of influencing the office of the National Chief Imam, alleging that information was “curled” or manipulated to favor their opponent.

Struggle for Control

The conflict moved beyond titles to physical control of the Ho Central Mosque. The Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid faction has maintained a stronghold on the mosque, refusing to allow Alhaji Muniru Ali to lead prayers, further entrenching the division.

Analysis

The violence witnessed on December 26, 2025, was a manifestation of the long-simmering tensions. What began as a standoff evolved into a dangerous confrontation involving firearms.

The Gunshot Incident

On that fateful Saturday, sporadic gunfire erupted within the mosque premises. By the end of the chaos, eleven individuals had suffered gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies, including their arms and legs. The incident shocked the region, transforming a leadership dispute into a public safety crisis.

Following the attack, police arrested 14 suspects. However, after interrogation at the Police Headquarters in Accra, all were released. This development raised questions about the investigation’s trajectory, though the Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Akorli, clarified that preliminary investigations suggested the incident was premeditated.

The Decision to Close the Mosque

Faced with the potential for retaliatory attacks and further escalation, the Volta Regional Security Council, led by Regional Minister James Gunu, declared the mosque a crime scene. The decision to close the facility for two weeks was framed as a security imperative.

The official press release emphasized that 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.” By removing the physical flashpoint—the mosque—the Council hopes to de-escalate the situation.

Security Deployment

The closure is not merely symbolic. The mosque has been placed under lock and key, with a significant security presence. Approximately 120 military and police officers have been stationed at the facility to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of the crime scene.

Practical Advice

For community members, stakeholders, and observers, navigating the aftermath of the Ho Central Mosque closure requires a focus on safety, dialogue, and adherence to legal frameworks.

For Community Members

Adhere to Security Directives: Residents should respect the perimeter set by the security forces. Attempting to force entry into the mosque or staging unauthorized protests near the crime scene could lead to arrest or injury.

Seek Alternative Worship Spaces: While the closure is temporary, worshippers should identify safe, neutral locations for prayers during this period to maintain spiritual practice without risking conflict.

For Mediators and Leaders

Focus on Dialogue: The root cause is the leadership tussle. Mediators must prioritize transparent dialogue between Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid and Alhaji Muniru Ali. The focus should be on accepting the National Chief Imam’s ruling or finding a mutually agreeable power-sharing structure.

Address Misinformation: The accusations of manipulation regarding the National Chief Imam’s office must be addressed openly to rebuild trust.

For Security Agencies

Ensure Neutrality: As advised by community youth leader Kidza Mohammed, security agencies must handle the issue devoid of favoritism to maintain public trust.

Expedite Investigations: To restore confidence, the police should conclude the investigation into the gunshot wounds and identify the perpetrators to ensure they face the law.

FAQ

Conclusion

The closure of the Ho Central Mosque is a symptom of a deeper, unresolved crisis within the Volta Region’s Muslim leadership. While the temporary shutdown offers a respite from immediate violence, it has also highlighted the deep fractures in the community. Residents like Ayishatu Adamu and Hajia Sherifatu are pleading for swift intervention, fearing that the prolonged conflict will disrupt education and social cohesion. Ultimately, resolving the chieftaincy deadlock between Alhaji Alfa Anas Hamid and Alhaji Muniru Ali is the only path to permanently reopening the mosque and restoring peace to Ho Zongo.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily Archives (Original Report)
• Volta Regional Security Council Press Release (Signed by James Gunu)
• Volta Regional Police Command Statements (DCOP Wisdom Akorli)
• Community Testimonies (Ho Zongo Residents)