Seven Injured After Gunfire erupted at Ho Central Mosque During Friday Prayers

                      Source        Ghanamediatrend  

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Seven Injured After Gunfire erupted at Ho Central Mosque During Friday Prayers

At least seven people were injured after gunfire erupted at the Ho Central Mosque during Friday prayers, throwing worshippers into panic and chaos. This rang out while congregants were gathered for the weekly Jumu’ah prayers, forcing many to flee the mosque premises for safety.

The report indicated hearing multiple gunshots, leading to stampedes as worshippers sought cover. The injured were quickly rushed to nearby health facilities, where they are receiving medical attention. Their conditions are reported to be stable.

The incident, which happened around 9:00 a.m. on December 26, sent shockwaves through the Zongo community, as worshippers scattered in panic when the shooting began.

Eyewitnesses say the chaos happened shortly after a newly installed Chief Imam arrived at the mosque to lead prayers.

According to the report, the situation escalated when supporters of Alhaji Alfa Anas confronted a group of armed men who were allegedly providing security for the new Chief Imam. What started as a confrontation quickly degenerated into violence, with gunshots disrupting the prayer session.

The Ho Zongo community has been grappling with a long-standing leadership dispute for over a decade, centred on who rightfully holds the position of Regional Chief Imam.

The rivalry between the faction led by Alhaji Alfa Anas and that of the newly installed Imam has previously resulted in tension, though Friday’s incident marks one of the most violent episodes in recent times.

In response to the shooting, joint security forces were swiftly deployed to the area to prevent further unrest. Armed military personnel from the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho, along with other security agencies, have since taken control of the mosque premises and surrounding neighbourhoods to restore calm.

As of the time of filing this report, the injured victims were receiving treatment at various hospitals in Ho. However, access to the main regional hospital has been restricted, with media personnel barred from entering the facility.

Residents of the Zongo community remain on edge, with calls growing louder for authorities and religious leaders to urgently resolve the protracted chieftaincy dispute to prevent future violence.

Security agencies have assured the public that investigations are underway while maintaining a strong presence in the area to deter any further disturbances.