The Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ruled out the immediate reopening of the Ho Central Mosque following a security assessment conducted in the Zongo community to ascertain the prevailing mood and level of peace among residents.

Speaking to the media after the assessment visit, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said the council undertook the exercise to evaluate whether conditions in the community were favourable for the reopening of the mosque after recent disturbances in the area.

According to Regional Minister, the decision by REGSEC was guided by the need to maintain peace and stability in the Zongo community and not merely to reopen the mosque without careful consideration of the prevailing circumstances.

Mr Gunu stated that the council carried out the security intelligence assessment and concluded that tensions still remained within the community, making it inappropriate to reopen the mosque at this time.

“It is not by hook or crook to come and reopen the mosque. We have done the assessment diligently and realised that the ground is not favourable,” he stressed.

He noted that some members of the community continued to demand justice for persons who sustained injuries during the disturbances, an indication that emotions and grievances were still unresolved.

He said REGSEC deliberately tested the reactions of residents during engagements and observed lingering pain and tension among some community members.

“The people are saying they need justice for those who got injured and when we tested the atmosphere, it clearly showed that there is still pain in the hearts of some people."

He assured residents that REGSEC remained committed to continuous engagement and further assessments before any final decision would be taken on reopening the mosque.