Muslim worshippers in Ho marked Friday prayers outside the Central Mosque after authorities locked the facility over security concerns.
According to a report by Joy News, the shutdown follows last week’s violent disturbance at the mosque, where armed individuals reportedly opened fire, leaving some worshippers injured. The incident has been traced to an unresolved Imamship dispute that has split the Muslim community in the area into rival camps.
When congregants arrived for Jummah prayers, the mosque remained closed and guarded, prompting preparations at an alternative location linked to one of the factions.
One worshipper who was injured during the shooting told Myjoyonline’s Albert Kuzor, “I was injured when the incident happened last week, but by the grace of Allah, I can now walk, so I still came to pray today.”
Another worshipper said he was alerted by the Imam about a temporary prayer venue. “I was at home when the Imam called and told me there was a place for prayers.
“We came to help prepare it. We will pray outside because the mosque has been closed,” he said.
The Regional Security Council (REGSEC), acting in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior, has ordered the closure of the Ho Central Mosque for two weeks starting Thursday, January 1, 2026.
According to REGSEC, the move is intended to calm tensions and prevent further clashes linked to the leadership impasse.
Declaring the mosque a crime scene, the council said, “The location under dispute is hereby declared a crime scene to facilitate further investigation until a permanent resolution is achieved concerning the ongoing impasse.”
