By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Feb. 10, 2026, GNA – The Police have arrested a woman captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) allegedly setting fire to parts of the Grace Mountain Ministry auditorium in Accra on the evening of Monday, February 9, 2026.
The suspect, who reportedly entered the church premises pretending to pray, was seen in CCTV footage pouring a flammable liquid, believed to be petrol, on chairs near the altar before igniting the fire and calmly walking out of the auditorium.
The incident occurred during a quiet period at the church, shortly before dawn.
According to the footage, which has since circulated widely on social media, the woman was dressed in white with a scarf tied around her head and initially blended in as a worshipper before carrying out the act.
Moments after the fire was set, the church’s security team and personnel monitoring the CCTV system responded swiftly, managing to contain and extinguish the flames before they spread to other parts of the auditorium.
Although some items, including chairs, offering bags and an air-conditioning unit, were damaged, no injuries were recorded, and the extent of damage to the facility was limited.
Addressing online worshippers during the Alpha Hour dawn prayer session, Pastor Elvis Agyemang, Founder and Leader of Grace Mountain Ministry and Convener of Alpha Hour, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said she had been handed over to the Police for further investigations.
“She has been arrested and won’t have it easy in the hands of the Police. Yes, we won’t spare you; you’ll have to face justice,” he said.
Pastor Agyemang, described the incident as part of persistent spiritual opposition against the ministry, adding that similar acts had been attempted in the past.
“These are signs of demons feeding on people’s minds and making them hate those who are loving them.
“What wrong have I committed by preaching the Gospel? What wrong have I done by preaching repentance?” he asked.
Pastor Agyemang recalled a previous incident where a woman allegedly spread powder on the altar, forcing church authorities to restrict access to the area, noting that such acts had failed to disrupt the growth of the ministry.
“Last year, someone came to spread powder on the altar, yet shortly after that, we filled the auditorium during our two-day convocation. That is what the devil does not like,” he saidd.
Pastor Agyemang expressed appreciation to the church’s security personnel and members who responded swiftly to contain the fire.
Following the incident, the leadership of Grace Mountain Ministry announced the temporary suspension of all in-person prayer sessions at the auditorium to allow for repairs and safety assessments.
However, Pastor Agyemang assured congregants that the ministry’s spiritual activities, particularly the Alpha Hour prayer sessions, would continue uninterrupted on digital platforms.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to establish her motive and determine whether she acted alone or with accomplices.
Police sources say the case is being treated as arson, a serious criminal offence, and that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
Reactions from members of the ministry, popularly known as “Alpharians,” have been marked by shock and concern, with many describing the incident as a direct attack on a place of worship.
Others have called for calm and urged authorities to ensure justice while safeguarding religious spaces.
Alpha Hour is a daily one-hour prayer meeting that begins at 0000 hours and is broadcast live on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Zoom.
The initiative began in February 2022 after Pastor Agyemang said he received a vision to start an intensive prayer movement focused on spiritual revival and victory.
It has since grown into a global prayer community, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide and expanding to television and radio platforms across Ghana.
Grace Mountain Ministry, located in Accra, is a large worship auditorium that hosts thousands of congregants during major services.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey