A woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to set fire to the Grace Mountain Chapel auditorium a home of the popular prayer movement Alpha Hour led by Pastor Elvis Agyemang in Accra. The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026, and authorities are investigating the suspected attempted arson.
A woman, identified by police as Kesse Okyerewaa Koranteng, was taken into custody after allegedly entering the Grace Mountain Chapel auditorium under the pretense of prayer and setting parts of it alight. Preliminary police investigations indicate she brought liquid in rubber containers, sprinkled it around chairs near the altar, and lit them with matches, causing a fire outbreak.
CCTV footage from the church captured the woman’s actions. The church’s security personnel responded swiftly, containing the blaze before it could spread and cause severe damage.
Fortunately, no injuries were recorded, though the fire destroyed items including air conditioners, chairs, windows, offering boxes, ceiling material, electrical cables, and parts of the lighting system.
The Ghana Police Service has said the suspect is assisting with ongoing investigations as authorities work to establish her motive and whether others were involved. The case is being treated as a serious criminal matter.
Pastor Elvis Agyemang, founder and convener of Alpha Hour and Grace Mountain Ministry, addressed the incident, reassuring followers that physical prayer meetings would resume once safety measures and repairs are complete. He emphasized that while the event was unsettling, it would not stop the ministry’s spiritual activities.
In response to the incident, the church has temporarily suspended in-person prayer meetings at the auditorium to allow for necessary repairs and to ensure the safety of worshippers. Pastor Agyemang urged followers to continue their prayers and remain united, even as investigations continue and restoration efforts begin.
Local reactions have varied, with some expressing concern for the psychological state of the woman involved, and others pointing to the strength of the ministry and its community resilience amid the scare.
Police continue to investigate the case, and the public has been encouraged to report suspicious activities to enhance community safety.
Written by: Christabel Dzewu