Alpha Hour and its leader, Pastor Elvis Agyemang, have come out strongly to reject and condemn what they describe as false, defamatory, and malicious claims published by controversial social media commentator Albert Nat Hyde, popularly known as Bongo Ideas, on Facebook and Instagram on January 14, 2026.
According to Alpha Hour, the allegations had no basis in fact, were misleading, and were deliberately crafted to damage the reputation of the ministry and its leader. The church made it clear that the claims suggesting money was demanded or received in exchange for prayers are completely untrue.
In simple terms, Alpha Hour says Bongo Ideas lied. And they are not taking it lightly.
Alpha Hour Demands Retraction and Public Apology
In a firm response, Alpha Hour stated that it categorically denies all allegations made by Bongo Ideas and has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology. The ministry also stated that it reserves all legal rights, meaning court action is not off the table if such defamatory conduct continues.
For many observers, this was long overdue.
Bongo Ideas has built a reputation online for publishing sensational claims, often without proper verification. While some of his posts generate massive engagement, critics say they also leave behind damaged reputations, confusion, and unnecessary public tension.
Esther Smith’s Management Steps In to Set the Record Straight
The controversy deepened when Esther Smith’s management released a detailed clarification to counter the misleading narratives circulating online.
According to the statement signed by Esther Smith Management, at no point during their engagement with Pastor Elvis Agyemang or the Alpha Hour team was money requested, demanded, or charged for prayers. They emphasized that their interaction with the ministry was marked by respect, professionalism, proper security, and genuine pastoral care.
The statement described Pastor Elvis Agyemang as a leader who has consistently demonstrated integrity, accountability, and transparency, urging the public to disregard all sensational headlines and speculation pushed on social media.
In plain language: the story being sold online was fake.
Bongo Ideas Apologises — Again
Following the backlash and clarifications, Bongo Ideas issued an apology to Pastor Elvis Agyemang and Alpha Hour. While some accepted it as a step in the right direction, many Ghanaians were not impressed.
To them, this apology felt familiar.
This is not the first time Bongo Ideas has published controversial claims only to later retract and apologize. For critics, the pattern is worrying. Publish first, trend, attract attention then apologize later.
That is not journalism. That is recklessness.
Public Reaction: “This Is Not Journalism”
Public reaction has been harsh, and perhaps rightly so. Many social media users have questioned the kind of journalism Bongo Ideas claims to practice, accusing him of prioritizing trends, views, and virality over truth and responsibility.
Some argue that free speech does not give anyone the right to destroy reputations with unverified claims. Others believe it is time such behavior attracts real consequences, not just online apologies.
As one observer put it bluntly: “You can’t keep burning people’s names and then hide behind ‘sorry’ every time.”
Bigger Lesson for Media and Bloggers
This incident raises a bigger issue in Ghana’s media and blogging space. The rush for clicks and engagement is slowly eroding basic journalistic principles of verification, balance, and fairness.
Alpha Hour’s response serves as a reminder that religious leaders, public figures, and institutions also have rights. Defamation is not content. False allegations are not opinions. And apologies do not automatically erase damage.
For many, this is a warning shot not just to Bongo Ideas, but to every blogger and commentator who treats serious issues as content for clout.
Alpha Hour has made its position clear. Pastor Elvis Agyemang’s name has been defended. The facts are now on record. Whether Bongo Ideas learns from this episode remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: Ghana’s online space is watching, and patience for careless reporting is running thin.
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