Concerned youth of Ho Zongo have called on Volta Regional Minister James Gunu to explain his handling of the ongoing Imamship dispute and the controversy surrounding the Ho Central Mosque, raising concerns about his alleged engagements with members of the Ali Muniru family.
The youth are demanding transparency over a reported meeting between the Minister and members of the family at his residence, during which they allege that assurances and promises concerning the dispute were made.
In a statement dated October 16, 2026, the group questioned whether the Minister’s interventions had helped reconcile the parties or contributed to deepening divisions within the community.
They argued that the Regional Minister, as the government’s representative in the region, had a responsibility to demonstrate impartiality, facilitate dialogue and ensure a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The youth expressed concern that the Minister’s alleged actions had created a perception among some residents that the Ali Muniru family was receiving preferential treatment.
They said such perceptions could undermine confidence in the mediation process and make it more difficult to achieve a resolution acceptable to all parties.
“The people of Ho Zongo deserve clear answers,” the statement said, urging the Minister to explain the nature of his engagements with the parties and demonstrate that his office was committed to a fair and balanced outcome.
Questions over alleged assurances
The group raised particular concerns about the reported meeting between Mr Gunu and members of the Ali Muniru family at the Minister’s residence.
According to the statement, assurances were allegedly given concerning efforts to reopen the Ho Central Mosque in favour of the family.
The youth also alleged that promises were made regarding the handling of the shooting incident at the mosque, including claims that the Regional Minister and the Regional Police Commander would use their offices to protect persons arrested in connection with the incident.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the statement did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate them.
The youth have therefore called on Mr Gunu to clarify whether any such assurances were given, what they concerned and how they aligned with his responsibility to treat all parties fairly.
They maintained that any engagement intended to promote peace should be transparent and should not create the impression that one family enjoys privileged access to government officials.
“If the Minister’s intention was to secure peace, why has the mediation process not produced a resolution that commands the confidence of both sides?” the group asked.
Concerns over mosque reopening
The youth also questioned the approach to reopening the Ho Central Mosque, arguing that any decision on the matter should be preceded by efforts to build confidence among the parties involved.
They warned that actions taken without sufficient consultation could heighten mistrust and trigger further confrontation in the community.
The statement further referred to allegations concerning the circumstances under which members of the Ali Muniru family entered the mosque at about 1 a.m., suggesting that the incident required independent scrutiny alongside the reported meeting with the Minister.
The group urged the relevant authorities to examine available evidence fairly and establish the facts surrounding the dispute.
It stressed that unverified allegations should not be treated as established facts but insisted that concerns raised by community members deserved appropriate attention.
Appeal to President, NDC leadership
The youth have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take an interest in the matter.
They warned that the controversy could undermine public confidence in the party if residents continued to perceive the handling of the dispute as favouring one side.
The group expressed concern that the Regional Minister’s approach could affect the NDC’s relationship with sections of the Ho Zongo community if the issues remained unresolved.
It, however, stressed that its demand was not for the Minister to support one faction over another but to demonstrate fairness, transparency and accountability.
“The Regional Minister must recognise that peace cannot be achieved through an approach that leaves one side feeling favoured and the other feeling abandoned,” the statement said.
Five demands for resolution
The youth outlined five key demands, including a clear explanation of the Minister’s engagements with the parties, clarification of any assurances allegedly given, and equal treatment of all sides.
They also called for independent mediation if confidence in the current approach had broken down, as well as a lasting resolution that would protect lives, restore unity and respect the community’s religious leadership processes.
The group maintained that the Ho Central Mosque should not become a source of prolonged confrontation or be used to advance political or personal interests.
It urged the Minister to demonstrate that his office could serve as a neutral platform for dialogue rather than become a source of further mistrust.
Copies of the statement were addressed to the Volta Regional Minister, the Bureau of National Investigations in Ho, the Volta Regional Police Commander, the Ho Municipal Police Commander, the 66 Artillery Regiment, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive and the Asogli State.
As of the time of publication, the statement did not include responses from Mr Gunu, the Ali Muniru family or the Regional Police Command regarding the allegations.
Their responses would be important in establishing the circumstances surrounding the reported meeting, the alleged assurances and the broader dispute over the Ho Central Mosque and the community’s Imamship.