At least 10 people were injured, two critically, after masked gunmen opened fire at the Ho Central Mosque in the Volta Region on Friday, December 26.
Preliminary accounts indicate that about five armed men stormed the mosque during prayers, firing sporadically and sending worshippers scrambling for safety. The sudden attack plunged the area into chaos, leaving several people with gunshot wounds and other injuries.
Although police are yet to officially confirm the motive, the violence is widely linked to a long-running Imamship dispute within the mosque.
The incident has heightened tensions in Ho, prompting swift security intervention.
Police officers moved quickly to the scene and arrested some suspects in connection with the shooting.
The Ghana Armed Forces have also been deployed to the municipality to reinforce security, restore calm, and deter any further violence.
Victims receiving treatment told Citi News that fear spread rapidly as gunshots rang out, with many fleeing in different directions to escape the attackers. Some worshippers reportedly took cover in nearby homes as the shooting continued.
Reacting to the incident, a youth leader at the mosque, Mohammed Kidzah, appealed for urgent steps to resolve the underlying conflict, warning that unresolved tensions could spark more violence.
“The incident occurred just seconds after the Regional Chief Imam had left the area. The person who directed the shooting urged the attackers on, telling them that the Chief Imam was the target and must be shot. Acting on his instructions, they opened fire. When the Imam ran into a house, the attackers shot his son in the leg,” he recounted.
Security agencies say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to stabilize the area and prevent a recurrence.
