The recent attempted arson attack on the Alpha Hour church auditorium has shocked many in Ghana’s Christian community and beyond. On the evening of February 9, 2026, an incident unfolded at the Grace Mountain Chapel (also referred to as Grace Mountain Ministries) in Accra, the venue closely associated with the popular daily prayer program led by Pastor Elvis Agyemang.
What is Alpha Hour?
Alpha Hour is a widely followed nightly prayer movement in Ghana that starts precisely at 12:00 a.m. GMT (midnight) and runs for one intense hour. Founded and convened by Pastor Elvis Agyemang, the program features fervent prayers, testimonies, declarations, and spiritual teachings. It streams live across platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, and various TV and radio stations (including Alpha TV, Genesis TV, and Onua TV, among over 70 affiliates).
The session has built a massive online and in-person following, with participants joining from Ghana and the diaspora for midnight breakthroughs, victory declarations, and spiritual warfare prayers. Many credit it with life-changing testimonies in areas like marriage, finances, health, and deliverance.
The Incident: What Happened?
CCTV footage captured a woman entering the church auditorium, appearing to pray initially. She then allegedly poured a flammable liquid—reported as petrol—onto chairs near the altar (and in some accounts, near the pastor’s office area) before setting them ablaze.
Quick action by church security and responders contained the fire rapidly. No injuries occurred, and structural damage remained limited, mostly affecting some chairs and nearby furnishings. The suspect was apprehended on the spot and handed over to the Ghana Police Service, who confirmed her arrest for the attempted arson.
Pastor Elvis Agyemang addressed the congregation during the subsequent Alpha Hour session on February 10, 2026. He described the act as deeply disturbing, questioned the level of hatred involved, and announced the indefinite suspension of all in-person gatherings at the auditorium for safety and repairs. He emphasized that the online prayers would continue uninterrupted, stating that “it will not stop us” and affirming confidence in eventual restoration.
Reactions and Aftermath
News of the incident spread quickly across Ghanaian media (including GhanaWeb, Citi Newsroom, Metro TV, Joy Prime, and 3Music TV) and social platforms, with many expressing shock at the audacity of targeting a place of prayer. Videos of the CCTV footage circulated widely, sparking discussions about spiritual opposition, mental health concerns, personal grievances, or other motives (though no official motive has been confirmed by police at the time of reporting).
Some online commentators framed it in spiritual terms, referencing the intense midnight prayer focus of Alpha Hour as potentially attracting opposition. Others called for prayers for Pastor Elvis, the ministry team, and the suspect.
Pastor Agyemang maintained a posture of resilience, urging continued prayer and trust in divine protection while the physical venue is restored.
Looking Ahead
This event highlights both the reach and the vulnerabilities of high-profile spiritual ministries in the digital age. Alpha Hour continues its daily 12 a.m. broadcasts, inviting participants worldwide to join in prayer despite the temporary pause on physical attendance at the Accra location.
As investigations proceed, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the real-world challenges faced by faith leaders and communities committed to consistent spiritual discipline. For many followers, it reinforces the program’s core message: that prayer persists regardless of opposition, and victory belongs to those who keep the faith.