By: Evans Attah Akangla| ignewss|
The Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC), led by the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has announced that the Ho Zongo Mosque will remain closed due to unresolved security concerns within the community.
The decision follows a community engagement and security assessment exercise conducted by the Council to evaluate whether conditions were conducive for the reopening of the mosque.
Addressing the media after the engagement, REGSEC explained that its primary responsibility is to maintain peace and stability in the Zongo community. According to the Council, the exercise was intended to assess the security situation and gather intelligence, not to compel the reopening of the mosque.
REGSEC stated that findings from the assessment indicated that tensions within the community remain high, with several unresolved grievances still lingering among residents. The Council noted that concerns relating to compensation for individuals injured during the disturbances continue to generate strong emotions, suggesting that the community has not fully recovered from the conflict.
The Council further disclosed that two key signatories to the peace bond, Alhaji Anas and Alhaji Muniru, were absent during the engagement. While Alhaji Muniru was reportedly travelling from Accra, Alhaji Anas was said to be unwell. Hon. James Gunu indicated that he would personally visit Alhaji Anas.
Community members reportedly appealed to REGSEC to reopen the mosque, especially with the onset of the rainy season approaching. However, the Council maintained that the prevailing atmosphere was not yet peaceful enough to warrant such a move.
“For now, the mosque will remain closed. Our priority is to sustain peace in the community and across the region,” REGSEC stated.
The Council added that consultations with stakeholders and further engagements with community leaders would continue until the security situation improves.
Meanwhile, Hon. James Gunu clarified that REGSEC has no authority to appoint or determine who serves as the Volta regional chief imam.
He said the issue was discussed during a closed-door meeting involving the two rival Muslim leaders.
According to REGSEC, the appointment and recognition of a regional chief imam fall solely under the jurisdiction of the leadership of the Muslim community in Ghana, headed by the National Chief Imam.
The council revealed that the National Chief Imam had already recognised Alhaji Muniru as the Volta Regional Chief Imam, with Alhaji Anas serving as the Deputy Regional Chief Imam.
REGSEC therefore urged any aggrieved party to seek redress through lawful means, including engaging the National Chief Imam directly or pursuing legal action in court, rather than resorting to violence or acts that could disrupt public peace.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to honouring decisions made by the recognised Muslim leadership, unless a competent court of law overturns them.
Both Alhaji Muniru and Alhaji Anas have reportedly signed a peace bond committing themselves to collaboration and peacebuilding efforts within the Zongo community.
REGSEC assured residents that it would continue to monitor developments closely and engage all stakeholders to prevent any escalation of tensions that could threaten peace and security in the Volta Region.
Source: www.ignewss.com|Ghana