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Understanding Themes Behind Watch Night Services

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Flyer of Paramount House Chapel watchnight service

During the Christmas festivities, many Ghanaians look forward to how they will end the year and usher in the New Year. Ahead of December 31, churches across the country organise crusades, revivals, camp meetings, and other spiritual activities to prepare members for the transition into the New Year.

For many Christians, New Year’s Eve is marked by a Watch Night service, which is characterised by prayer, thanksgiving, and reflection to climax a symbolic crossover into the New Year at midnight.

Over the years, churches in Ghana have adopted various themes for their 31st Night Services to encourage members and attract non-members, offering insight into what congregants should expect in the coming year.

The term ‘crossover’ has become a common expression to describe 31st December Watch Night Services. These services have become famous due to the fascinating themes generated by the churches. Some of the captivating themes spotted on huge billboards with over two weeks to December 31 include: “Night of Signs and Wonders,” “Night of Wonders,” “Exodus Night,” “Empowerment Summit,” “Glorious Triumphant Entry,” and “Occupy 2026.”

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Other themes that enthrall people include “Cross Over to Recover,” “Passover to Takeover,” “Crossing Over,” “Operation Jabez Crossover,” “Restoration Night,” “Run Over,” and “December To Remember.”

In an interview with The Spectator on these themes, Prophet Alfred Asihene Arjarquah of Paramount House Chapel explained that the church’s crossover theme for 2026, “Occupy 2026,” was inspired by biblical instructions for believers to take possession, dominate, and flourish.

According to him, the theme was grounded in God’s original mandate to humanity to be fruitful and to occupy the earth, as well as God’s directive to Joshua to take possession of the Promised Land after the enemies had been subdued.

“God told Joshua that the land He had prepared ahead of the Israelites was already cleared of enemies, and they were to occupy the land flowing with milk and honey. That is the spiritual foundation of Occupy 2026,” he indicated.

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He noted that the emphasis on “Occupy” distinguishes the church’s crossover service from conventional year-end themes by challenging believers to take action rather than wait passively for blessings.

Prophet Arjarquah further revealed in the interview that 2026 has been declared the Year of Extraordinary Praise, a season he believes will be characterised by miracles, signs, and wonders.

Beyond the church, Prophet Arjarquah used the opportunity to pray for the nation, asking God to bless the people of Ghana and stabilise the economy. He also encouraged citizens to remain hopeful and steadfast, trusting God for restoration and national progress.

“We are praying that God will bless the people of Ghana and also bless the economy,” he said, stressing the need for faith, discipline, and unity in addressing the country’s challenges.

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By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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I don’t take NPP for granted— Afenyo Markin insists

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, stressing that he does not take the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granted.

He made the remarks during a media briefing, where he also dismissed claims that there are compromising videos or audio recordings of him that could embarrass him, his family or the party.

Mr Afenyo Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but insisted that he would not act recklessly, particularly given the responsibility attached to his position as Minority Leader.

“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless,” he stated.

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He said he was conscious of the history of the position he occupies, noting that it had previously been held by senior members of the NPP, including J.B. Danquah, J.H. Mensah and Busia, Dumbo.

According to him, the party’s elders did not entrust him with the leadership of the parliamentary caucus without considering the responsibility involved.

“I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect. The elders of this party, they don’t just get up to say, ‘Our son, lead the caucus.’ From day one, they entrusted me with this position,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo Markin said he has always recognised the weight of the party’s history and the need to conduct himself in a manner that protects the image of the NPP.

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He rejected claims that individuals have videos or audio recordings of him engaging in activities that could be used to embarrass him.

“Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family and the party,” he insisted.

He described the claims as part of the challenges politicians face in the era of social media, where allegations and rumours can spread quickly.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that despite such claims, he would continue to carry out his responsibilities with caution and respect for the office he occupies.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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GoldBod concerns are about implementation, not individuals- Afenyo-Markin

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has denied that his concerns over the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme are aimed at any particular individual.

He explained that his criticism has always been directed at the institution and the way the programme is being implemented, rather than at any person.

“I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution,” Mr Afenyo Markin stated.

He made these remarks today during a press briefing August 31, 2026,Speaking to when cultural troupes from Winneba visited his residence in Accra

the Minority’s position is that although the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is a good initiative, its implementation has created challenges that need to be examined.

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He described the programme as an initiative introduced under former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to use Ghana’s gold resources to help stabilise the economy.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that the Minority supports the idea but is concerned about what he described as losses arising from its implementation.

He referenced concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding losses associated with the programme, arguing that such issues should be properly investigated.

He therefore rejected suggestions that the matter had become a personal attack.

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“We need to elevate the conversation so that it doesn’t become a personality contest,” he added.

Responding to arguments that the reported losses could instead be exchange rate losses on the Bank of Ghana’s own accounts and that the central bank was following international best practices, Mr Afenyo Markin called for patience.

He indicated that the planned parliamentary probe would provide an opportunity for all sides to present their positions and establish the facts.

“When October comes and we start the discussion, wherever the truth is, we will all get to know,” he stated.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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