Ho Zango residents defy REGSEC's directive to close mosque for 2 weeks
Despite a directive by the Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque, for a duration of two weeks, from January 1, 2026, the place of worship is still opened to the public, in violation of the order.
The REGSEC on December 31, 2025, in a statement said the location of the mosque had been declared a crime scene to facilitate further investigation into the Boxing Day shooting incident at the place.
The statement, signed by the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who is chairman of the REGSEC, explained that the decision was taken in close consultation with the Ministry of the Interior.
“The directive has been deemed essential following an urgent meeting convened by the REGSEC on Monday, December 29, 2025, to address troubling developments within the Muslim community of Ho, involving two individuals asserting claims to the position of Regional Chief Imam,” the statement explained.
It said the decision was taken solely in the interest of peace, unity, and the long-term neutral environment to facilitate mediation efforts aimed at resolving ongoing disputes and restoring harmony among all parties involved.
The REGSEC, the statement said, believed peaceful dialogue was the most powerful tool for resolving differences, and all stakeholders would be engaged constructively to achieve a lasting and amicable resolution, during the closure.
It made it clear the safety of worshippers, the sanctity of the mosque, and unity of the community remained the highest priorities to the REGSEC.
A visit to the Ho Sabong-Zango mosque on January 1 around 4pm showed some of the doors of the mosque were open with adults and children entering and coming out of the mosque.
On December 30, 2025, a joint team of police forensic experts from Accra and Ho were at the mosque to gather more evidence in aid of investigations into matter, after which the mosque was cordoned off.
On Thursday, January 1), however, the tapes used to cordon off the mosque were missing.
