Ho Central Mosque Under Heavy Security, Worshippers Pray Outdoors

Worshippers at Ho Central Mosque were compelled to hold Friday prayers outdoors this week after regional authorities locked the worship center amid heightened security tensions following last week’s shooting incident.

The Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC) ordered the mosque’s closure effective January 1, 2026, after armed men stormed the premises during prayers seven days earlier, injuring several congregants during clashes tied to an Imamship succession dispute.

“When the incident happened last week, I was injured but by Allah’s grace, I now walk,” one shooting victim told Myjoyonline while preparing for makeshift outdoor prayers. “Nobody visited us after the attack to check our condition.”

Another worshipper recounted receiving an urgent Friday invitation: “Our Imam called today saying we have alternate prayer space since the main mosque is closed. We’re preparing this residential area.”

REGSEC confirmed in an official statement the two-week closure aims to “prevent further tension” between rival leadership factions while designating the mosque a protected crime scene for investigations.

“This decision was taken solely for peace, unity and long-term stability within Ho’s Muslim community,” security officials stated, emphasizing the measure was preventive rather than punitive.

Armed police maintained vigilance around the sealed mosque compound as mediation teams prepared to reconcile the warring groups during the cooling-off period.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE