The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has firmly declared Sheikh Ali Muniru as the legitimate Volta Regional Imam and denounced the violent clash at the Ho Central Mosque last Friday as "contrary to Islamic teachings."

In a statement issued on Monday, December 29, the Chief Imam asserted that the leadership question, which sparked the December 26 shooting incident, had already been settled through extensive consultation.

"The selection of Shaikh Muniru was not imposed on the community but was the outcome of extensive consultation and mediation, making the continued dispute both unnecessary and unacceptable," the statement, signed by his Personal Assistant Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, read.

His Eminence expressed deep disappointment that the resolved matter had degenerated into violence within a sacred place of worship. He confirmed that Sheikh Ali Muniru remains the duly recognised Regional Imam, with Sheikh Anas serving as his Deputy.

The shooting incident, which left several persons injured and caused panic in Ho, is understood to be the culmination of a protracted leadership dispute within the regional Muslim community. The police have since commenced investigations and heightened security around the mosque.

Addressing the two clerics as his children, the Chief Imam called for unity. "He expects unity, mutual respect and cooperation from them in their service to Allah and the Muslim community," the statement noted.

He also issued a direct warning to authorities handling the case, urging the Ghana Police Service to act without bias.

"Selective justice undermines confidence and fuels further tension," the Chief Imam cautioned, a remark that resonates in Ghana’s current climate, where perceptions of partiality can quickly inflame local tensions.

The National Chief Imam concluded by praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and calling for reconciliation, urging all supporters to remain law-abiding. The intervention from the country’s highest Islamic authority is seen as a crucial step towards de-escalating the conflict and restoring order ahead of the new year.