By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Jan. 1, GNA – As the clock edged towards midnight, large parts of Sakumono and its surrounding communities were plunged into darkness following a power outage.
But the absence of electricity did little to dim the resolve of worshippers determined to usher in 2026 in prayer and inner illumination.
From Chapel Square through Sakumono Village, congregations pressed on with all-night services, some under candlelight and phone torches, others relying on generators, while a few churches conducted services outdoors with improvised lighting.
At Christ the King Anglican Church, Sakumono, parishioners sat shoulder to shoulder in near-total darkness, hymns rising steadily from the pews.
Ushers moved cautiously between rows, guiding latecomers to their seats, as worshippers followed liturgy from memory or faintly lit prayer books.
Despite the blackout, the service continued “unrelentingly,” as one parishioner put it, drawing quiet admiration from visitors who had expected the service to be cancelled.
Nearby, Corpus Christi Catholic Church was among congregations whose services continued uninterrupted, highlighting a patchwork of experiences across the area as churches adopted various coping measures.
Around Chapel Square, some churches in Sakumono Village opted to join neighbouring congregations, describing the crossover as necessary for what many called the most important service of their spiritual calendar.
“For some of us, this is the only service we attend all year,” a middle-aged worshipper told the Ghana News Agency.
He said, “Missing the all-night service means missing church entirely for the year, so darkness cannot stop us.”
At Hope Presbyterian Church, the atmosphere contrasted sharply with the darkened streets.
A large outdoor stage had been mounted, brightly lit by generators, as congregants trooped in steadily, singing and clapping in anticipation of the crossover moment.
The scene repeated itself at Glory Assemblies of God Church, where hundreds of worshippers gathered in high spirits, powered by generators.
Music blared, hands were raised, and prayers were offered with fervour, the temporary lights serving as both illumination and symbol of resilience.
Mount Zion Methodist Church in Sakumono also pressed on without interruption. By the time of GNA’s visit, the service was in full flight with congregants seated calmly, listening intently to sermons and scripture readings.
Not everyone, however, took the situation in stride. First-time worshippers visiting churches without electricity expressed visible disappointment, some leaving early, others lingering before deciding to stay.
“I didn’t expect this on New Year’s Eve,” a young woman attending an all-night service for the first time said.
Kofi Owusu added, “But I’m learning that faith here is not dependent on comfort.”
During one of the sermons at the Mount Zion Methodist Church, Mrs Mildred Mensah Mannor, a former President of the Women’s Fellowship, encouraged congregants to remain steadfast, reminding them that God’s power transcends circumstances.
She cited 1 Samuel 30, urging believers to draw strength even in adversity.
As midnight approached, many worshippers remained hopeful that electricity would be restored before services ended.
In the main sermon ushering congregants into 2026, the Right Reverend Samuel Mensah, Superintendent Minister of the Tema West Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana, called on worshippers to enter the new year with faith, discipline and renewed commitment to service.
She stressed that challenges at the threshold of a year should not define its outcome.
At a quarter to midnight, after the blackout that lasted more than three hours, relief swept through Sakumono as electricity was restored, triggering spontaneous cheers, applause and shouts of thanksgiving across churches in the area.
The return of light transformed the atmosphere instantly, with worshippers rising to their feet in joy and adoration as New Year services entered their most anticipated moment, as hymns grew louder, instruments came alive and prayers of gratitude replaced earlier anxiety.
The congregants welcomed the New Year in renewed hope and celebration.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Tema Region, explained that the outage affecting Sakumono and its environs was the result a hitch in its network.
In a notice to customers, ECG listed the affected areas as Emefs Estates, Vodafone, Celebrity Golf Club, Jotafa, Jubail, Sakumono Village and Estates, Buena Vista Homes and surrounding communities.
The company assured customers that investigations were ongoing and that power supply would be restored as soon as possible.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong