The Ho Central Mosque is, indeed, a magnificent edifice.
Since its inauguration on March 24, 1994, the captivating mosque has not only served as place of worship but also as a sacred ground of holiness, serenity, beauty and peace.
Motorists often reduced their speed to catch a glimpse of the structure and those gathered around it.
With time, however, the mosque, situated at Ho Sabong-Zongo, has become a venue of violent and bloody clashes between two factions who are divided over the choice of the rightful Volta Regional Imam.
One faction recognises Alhaji Anas, who had served for years as the Deputy Regional Imam, while the other faction embraces Alhaji Muniru as the rightful Imam.
This had led to tension and brutal fights between the two gates in recent time.
In December, last year, for instance, about 11 people were rushed to the hospital after they were wounded in another clash at the mosque.
That led to the closure of the mosque again by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, later visited the victims at Zongo after they had been discharged.
He offered them GH¢10,000 towards their medical expenses but they rejected it.
Then, on Saturday, October 10, the regional minister again booked an appointment with the two factions, assuring them that the mosque would be re-opened.
He went to the mosque, accompanied by no less a person than the National Chief Imam, Sheik Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, who prayed for peace to prevail at the Zongo.
The expected peaceful reconciliation between the factions did not happen.
On the contrary, the factions clashed in the presence of the dignitaries, after one side accused the other of preventing their leader from entering the mosque.
One boy was hurt in the disturbances.
Another meeting arranged by the regional minister later in the evening yielded no positive result.
As a result, the mosque could not be opened.
Now, both sides are accusing the Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) of not taking adequate steps to bring a peaceful solution to the matter.
For now, the mosque is still a ‘no go area’, surrounded by personnel of the security agencies, while local residents now avoid the entire Zongo community for fear of getting hurt in a possible clash.
The problem at the Muslim community is not in anyone’s interest at the Zongo, in Ho and the Volta Region.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Ewe Muslims in the Volta Region, Alhaji Ahmad Abass Amedor, has made a passionate appeal to the RCC, REGSEC and the various political leaders to take a dispassionate stance and implement firm measures to solve the problem as soon as possible.
He believes the problem can be solved without political persuasion.
For now, there is an uneasy calm at the Zongo.
The earlier the VRCC and REGSEC delved into the matter and came out with a lasting solution, the better for all and sundry.
The possibility of the conflict spreading out of Ho Sabong Zongo to other parts of the municipality and the region at large cannot be ruled out.
The mosque is no longer serving its purpose, and that is, indeed, sad.
