The Office of the Volta Regional Chief Imam, Ali Muniru, has strongly condemned the shooting incident at Ho Central Mosque on Boxing Day, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of the house of worship that left innocent worshippers injured.
In a statement dated 27 December 2025, the office, through its spokesperson Chief Adamu Hamani, said the attack was the result of deliberate obstruction by a faction at Sabong Zango, which had been preventing the Regional Chief Imam from exercising his lawful authority.
“The tragic incident is the outcome of deliberate and prolonged obstruction to the lawful authority of the Volta Regional Chief Imam, despite his recent affirmation by the National Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Shaributu,” the statement read.
According to the office, the faction had persistently blocked access to the Ho Central Mosque, using threats, intimidation, and violence rather than following lawful or acceptable Islamic processes. Efforts to seek intervention from the Volta Regional Police Command to secure safe access for the Chief Imam reportedly went unheeded.
“More troubling are repeated claims by the faction that they were supported by the Regional Police Command and other security agencies,” the statement added.
The office also criticised the response of security agencies after the shooting, describing it as “disturbing.” Despite videos and other evidence circulating on social media showing family members and supporters of the Regional Chief Imam being attacked, the statement alleged that the police ignored these acts.
“Rather, the police arrested people perceived to be aligned with the Regional Chief Imam, while turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed against him, his family, and his supporters,” the statement claimed.
The aftermath of the incident reportedly created fear in the Zango, forcing some residents to flee. The statement noted that the Ho Central Mosque, declared a crime scene, was quickly reopened and made accessible to the faction, undermining public confidence in the neutrality of the security agencies’ response.
The office called on security agencies to take professional, impartial, and courageous action to protect lives and property in the Zango. It also urged Muslims in the region to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast in peace, even amid provocation.
Commenting on the incident, Volta Regional Police Commander DCOP Wisdom Akorli said preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was premeditated, but added that investigations were ongoing. He emphasised that the police would not take sides in the matter.
“Although calm has returned to the Zango, the police will maintain a presence for some time to ensure peace is not violated by any group,” DCOP Akorli said.
Graphic Online reports that all 14 suspects who were taken to the Police Headquarters in Accra for interrogation on Saturday have since been released.
The incident has reignited concerns about security and neutrality of law enforcement in the region, highlighting longstanding tensions within the local Muslim community at Sabong Zango.
As investigations continue, the office of the Regional Chief Imam has reiterated the importance of peaceful conduct and lawful engagement, calling on all parties to respect the authority of recognised Islamic leadership in the Volta Region.