Methodist Church Inducts 9 Lay Chairmen

The Methodist Church Ghana has inducted nine new lay chairmen to serve in various dioceses of the church at the Mount Olivet Methodist Church in Dansoman, Accra.

The newly inducted lay chairmen include Sis. Dr. Monica Dede Tekyi-Ansah for Cape Coast, Sis. Henrietta Atta Angmor for Accra, Bro. Justice Amoh for Sekondi, and Bro. Seth Oduro Arthur for Winneba.

The rest are Bro. Samuel Kwesi Appah Peniel for Koforidua, Bro. Frank Inkum Eyiah for Akyem Oda, Bro. Rexford R. Amponsah of Tema, Bro. Evangelist Edward Nyarko Hanson of the Nkawkaw Diocese, and Bro. Castro Kwabena Owusu Manu for the Ho Diocese.

Speaking in an interview, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, highlighting the church’s guiding principle of shared leadership between clergy and laity stressed that the Methodist Church operates on a biblical and theological foundation that encourages active participation from all members, regardless of their status.

According to him, the work of God must not be limited to any particular class of people, stressing that in the Methodist Church, the lay and clergy work together to achieve a common goal.

He indicated that while the position of lay chairman is not salaried or full-time, those selected bring valuable skills and experiences from diverse professional backgrounds, including law, education, construction, and finance.

The gifts, he explained, are expected to enhance the church’s mission and help strengthen the activities of the church and ministry.

Most Rev. Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu also stated that Christian leadership must be rooted in service and not an opportunity to be elevated above others that have to be served.

‘Leadership is not about status or privilege; it is about serving others. Jesus himself said he came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. This mindset has led to a culture where leaders enjoy privileges while neglecting why they were placed in leadership roles,’ he pointed out.

He, however, cautioned pastors not to exploit members for personal gain, particularly offering politically motivated prophecies as well as preaching messages to obtain favour from politicians.

I Lost My TV Job Because Of Bleaching – Bukom Banku

Boxer and media personality, Bukom Banku, has revealed that he lost his television job because he decided to bleach his skin – a practice he proudly calls his ‘talent.’

He made this disclosure during an interview with Empress Gifty on UTV, explaining that management at the station where he once worked took issue with his skin bleaching. However, Bukom Banku stopped short of naming the TV station involved.

‘I lost my TV job because I was bleaching. But bleaching is my talent. That’s my fashion, my style. I love it,’ he boldly stated.

In June 2020, Bukom Banku made headlines when he became the host of a new show titled Bukom Banku Live on GHOne TV. He had signed the deal a month earlier, in May 2020, celebrating the milestone with champagne alongside management of the station.

However, his time on air was short-lived, sparking speculation about why he suddenly disappeared from screens.

In a 2021 video, Bukom Banku clarified that he was not sacked, insisting that his contract with GHOne TV was simply not renewed after its four-month term expired in December 2020 following the elections.

‘I signed for four months, and when it ended, they didn’t renew it because the show had served its purpose,’ he said at the time, adding that the experience had been rewarding and unforgettable.

He also revealed that another channel, TV7, had approached him with a new offer shortly after his exit from GHOne.

Although it remains unclear which specific platform he was referring to in his recent interview, Bukom Banku’s comments suggest that his bleaching habit may have influenced decisions about his television career.

Century Aviation Completes Demonstration Flight To Ho

Century Aviation Limited, a wholly Ghanaian-owned aviation company, has achieved a new milestone in the nation’s transportation industry with the successful completion of a demonstration flight to Ho Airport.

The flight departed from Kotoka International Airport on September 25, 2025, at 14:40 GMT with 19 passengers aboard a Cessna SkyCourier aircraft.

The journey took approximately 30 minutes, with the aircraft returning to Accra at around 16:35.

The demonstration flight was a collaboration between Century Aviation and Africair, the authorised African representative of Textron Aviation, manufacturers of the SkyCourier.

The two companies have been working together over the past four years to develop a plan for introducing a reliable and efficient air taxi service in Ghana.

Century Aviation aims to operate scheduled passenger and cargo flights to underserved destinations while strengthening its existing charter services for multinational corporations, oil and gas companies, and mining firms.

Essie Anno Sackey, Managing Director of Century Aviation, lauded the safety, efficiency, versatility, and performance of the SkyCourier aircraft.

‘We are particularly impressed with two things. First, the ease with which you can reconfigure the internal space for passengers or cargo depending on the flight requirements.

‘Secondly, the SkyCourier’s ability to take off and land on various runway surfaces allows us to serve underserved destinations in Ghana and across West Africa, which is central to our expansion plans,’ she said.

The Cessna SkyCourier is a low-maintenance, twin-engine, high-wing turboprop aircraft capable of transporting up to 19 passengers with luggage. It is designed for passenger comfort, offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and windows along every row.

The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 389 km/h, an operating altitude of 25,000 ft, and a maximum range of 1,704 km.

Additionally, the SkyCourier can be operated by a single pilot and has a cargo capacity of 6,000 pounds, making it suitable for both passenger and freight operations.

Established in April 2009, Century Aviation Ltd specialises in providing safe and efficient aviation services to high-demand sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and other critical industries.

The company holds both an Air Carrier License (ACL) and an Airline Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and is also registered with the Petroleum Commission.

Otto Addo Praises Team On World Cup Qualification

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo has expressed pride and gratitude after guiding Ghana to a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking his second successful campaign as national team coach.

Speaking at the post-match press conference at the Accra Sports Stadium following Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Comoros, Addo described the achievement as a collective success built on unity, maturity, and hard work.

Addo praised his team’s performance, noting that while Comoros posed a strong challenge-especially on the counterattack-the Black Stars maintained control throughout.

‘We had a good game. They had an early chance but didn’t score, and from then we controlled the game with solid defending and a good midfield,’ he said.

Addo dedicated the achievement to the team and the nation.

‘For me, it’s a big achievement, but it’s not about me-it’s about us,’ he said. ‘It’s for every Ghanaian, for the players, for the team. Some of the players will experience the World Cup for the first time, and I’m very happy for them. This qualification belongs to everyone.’

Black Stars Thank Ghanaians

The Black Stars have extended a heartfelt message of gratitude to Ghanaians following their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America.

In an emotional statement addressed to the nation, the players, technical team, and management of the Black Stars thanked Ghanaians for their unwavering support throughout the qualifiers.

‘To the people of Ghana, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers,’ the message read. ‘Your passion, energy, and encouragement have been instrumental in driving the Black Stars forward.’

African Girls Demand Action From Leaders

Over 100 girls from West and Central Africa have come together to organise a summit to mark the International Day of the Girl in Dakar, Senegal.

The aim of the summit is to demand action from their leaders.

Speaking at the summit, Isabel from Equatorial Guinea said, ‘We want to be taken into account when our history is written, because our voices are important.’

Addressing regional leaders, the girls demanded that governments and partners stop marginalising their voices, emphasising that they want to be present when decisions affecting them are made. The girls stressed that they are the best (persons) to speak about their own realities than others.

‘I imagine a place where girls can be who they are. I imagine a place where every girl can be respected and loved,’ Isabel added.

The summit helped the girls work together to develop a declaration calling on governments, regional bodies, and international partners to put girls’ voices at the centre of decision-making and create safe spaces to break taboos and allow free expression, as well as train professionals to respond to girls’ realities; and monitor laws and programmes to ensure that rights move from paper to practice.

The girls called for urgent measures to end discrimination and violence, and to secure their rights to education, health, protection and participation.

The West and Central Africa Girls’ Summit marks a turning point because, adolescent girls from across the region have set their own agenda for change and demand that leaders listen and keep their promises.

Cyprus: High in International Trade, lagging in Green Transition EIB Investment Survey 2025 finds

The results of the annual survey that records investment trends, priorities, and challenges of European businesses, the EIB Investment Survey 2025, were published on Tuesday by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The survey, conducted in collaboration with Ipsos Public Affairs, is based on data from approximately 12,000 companies across all EU countries as well as the United States. The report’s key findings present a picture of resilience but also challenges, particularly in an environment of geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability.

As regards Cyprus, the country is among those with the highest percentage of companies participating in international trade, whether through exports, imports, or both. However, Cyprus lags behind in investments for climate adaptation and energy efficiency compared to other European countries.

Regarding investment trends and priorities, the survey shows that 86% of European companies made investments in the past year, a figure that remains stable compared to 2024 (87%). However, expectations for increased investment are more modest, with the net balance of companies anticipating growth falling to 4% from 8% the previous year.

European companies focus primarily on replacement investments (43%) and less on expanding production capacity (26%), in contrast to US companies, where the corresponding figure is 37%. Some 35% of European companies’ investments are directed toward intangible assets such as research and development (R and D), training, software, and organizational processes, while 13% is allocated to the development of new products and services. Large companies and manufacturing firms show greater resilience in investment, while the construction sector is more cautious.

With regard to international trade and supply chains, the survey paints a picture of adequate integration of European companies into global trade, with manufacturing and large companies holding the highest positions. However, changes in tariffs and regulations are a significant source of concern, with 77% of US companies expressing worry compared to 48% of European companies. European companies adopt a more balanced approach, with only 7% reducing the share of imported goods and services and 19% diversifying or increasing the number of countries from which they import.

On the green transition and climate action, 92% of European companies are taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but Cyprus ranks last, with only 69% of companies investing in this direction. Only 20% of Cypriot companies have set targets for reducing emissions, the lowest percentage in the EU (EU average: 47%). European companies invest more in waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and green innovation. However, despite Cyprus’s high participation in international trade, its investments in energy efficiency remain below the European average.

Additionally, 68% of European companies have suffered losses due to extreme weather events such as floods, fires, or storms. Some 53% of European companies are taking measures to address natural risks related to climate change, compared to 55% in the US.

Regarding digitization and the use of artificial intelligence, 37% of European companies use AI, a figure similar to the 36% in the US, while Cyprus ranks sixth from the bottom at 23%. However, only 55% of European companies using AI apply it to at least two internal processes, compared to 81% in the US. This indicates that European companies could better leverage the benefits of AI by systematically applying it across a broader range of activities.

The main barriers to investment for European companies remain uncertainty (83%), lack of skilled personnel (79%), and high energy costs (75%). Some 16% of European companies benefit from policy support, primarily for the green transition (41%) and innovation (29%).

European companies lag behind their American counterparts in terms of women’s representation in senior management and company ownership, with Cyprus standing out for its strong performance in gender equality, ranking second in the EU and first in Southern Europe.

PRESS RELEASE – SHIPPING DEPUTY MINISTRY

The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) is proud to announce the official launch of the Cyprus Shipping 1-Stop-Shop Portal (CYSh1P), a centralized digital platform designed to streamline and modernize all SDM maritime services.

CYSh1P provides stakeholders, including shipowners, lawyers, ship managers, seafarers, and classification societies, with easy, centralized access to a comprehensive range of maritime services, including:

Ship Registration and Registry Transactions

Transactions related to technical (safety and security) and environmental matters for Cyprus-Flagged Vessels

Seafarer Training and Certification

Tonnage Tax System (TTS) Services

Small and High-Speed Vessel Services

The portal’s services will be introduced in phases. The first set of eServices, launched today, 14 October 2025, enables users to:

Submit applications for the issuance of Seafarer Registration Certificates, as well as the issuance or renewal of Seaman’s Books and Endorsements

Submit applications for the issuance or renewal of Seafarer Training Certificates of Proficiency, Documentary Evidence, and Certificates of Competency (CoC)

With the launch of CYSh1P’s initial eServices, the previous eSAS platform (https://esas.dms.gov.cy/) has been discontinued. Users can no longer submit new applications through eSAS.

Accessing CYSh1P

To use the above two CYSh1P e-services, users must register and enrol in the relevant services:

Cyprus-registered companies must use their CY Login account to register. Companies that do not have a company CY Login account must obtain one the soonest possible.

Foreign companies can register directly through the CYSh1P portal.

A detailed User Guide is available on the CYSh1P platform (https://cysh1p.dms.gov.cy/) with step-by-step instructions for registration, profile creation, credentials setup, and service enrollment.

The SDM is committed to enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of Cyprus’ maritime services through digital innovation, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders in the shipping industry.

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (?)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 14/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 15/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1017hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, later locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, later Southwest to Northwest Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4, later locally Southwest to West 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to North 3, at times locally Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, later East to Southeast Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon South to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, later Northeast to East Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3, locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, later Northwest Smooth to Slight

Cyprus a key player in returns particularly concerning Syria, Justice Minister told JHA

Cyprus is a key player regarding the returns, particularly concerning Syria, as 90% of all returns from EU member states to Syria during the period from January 1, 2025, to September 1, 2025, were carried out by Cyprus, Minister of Justice and Public Order, Marios Hartsiotis told the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Luxembourg.

The meetings took place on Monday and Tuesday, 13-14 October 2025, and addressed a range of critical issues over the two days.

During the deliberations of the Council, the European Commission presented the results of the Schengen Barometer, in which Cyprus is recognized as a model country, particularly in its use of the voluntary return mechanism. “Cyprus is working to implement the Schengen recommendations, and its first Schengen evaluation is underway. The Commission supports Cyprus in its process toward deeper integration into the Schengen system,” the Barometer says.

“Cyprus has made significant efforts to implement the required corrective measures, with notable improvements in the return process and the Schengen Information System,” it is added in the Commission’s April 2025 report.

According to press release issued today, speaking during the discussion on the issue, the Minister of Justice noted that the Schengen Barometer is a particularly useful tool for identifying problems and managing challenges at the EU’s external borders. He pointed out Cyprus’ role in utilizing the voluntary return mechanism. In this context, he stressed that Cyprus is a key player in the field of returns, particularly concerning Syria, as 90% of all returns from EU member states to Syria during the period from January 1, 2025, to September 1, 2025, were carried out by Cyprus.

During the first day of the Council, the agenda included discussions on the modernization and strengthening of Eurojust, aiming to make it more effective in supporting member states in combating cross-border crime, which is constantly evolving. In his intervention, Hartsiotis noted that the ongoing developments in organized crime trends require Eurojust to have adequate funding and the appropriate tools at its disposal so it can operate effectively and fulfill its mandate.

In the same session, the ministers also exchanged views on best practices adopted at the national level regarding the protection of political figures from all forms of verbal or physical threats. Additionally, a discussion was held on safeguarding open public dialogue and the exercise of criticism.

On Tuesday, during the second day of the Council, Hartsiotis participated in the session on internal affairs portfolio issues. The ministers discussed the impacts on the EU’s internal security due to the situation in Gaza, such as increasing polarization in public discourse and the risks of radicalization. Member states also highlighted the rise in mass protests, where attacks against law enforcement agencies have been observed.

Finally, the ministers of the 27 member states exchanged views on the state of the Schengen area. In this context, a discussion took place regarding the future strengthening of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, FRONTEX.

Cyprus’ State Aid Control Commissioner participates in EU High-Level Forum on State aid

Cyprus’ Commissioner for State Aid Control, Stella Michaelidou, participated in the annual High-Level Forum on State aid, hosted by the European Commission on October 2 in Brussels, her office said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, was the keynote speaker, referring in her speech to the role of State aid as a tool to boost European competitiveness, it said.

According to the announcement, Michaelidou, in her statements, suggested to the European Commission the simplification of the State Aid regulations by implementing simpler procedures at all levels, and the clarification of definitions and terminologies of the Regulations in an easy and understandable form, so that they are feasible for all competent authorities and Member States.

She also referred to Cyprus’ goal of further promoting and utilising the Block Exemption Regulations (BER) and requested that the specificities of Cyprus be taken into account, ‘while at the same time emphasising the protection that the State Aid Regulations provide to small Member States, such as Cyprus’.

She also noted that the state aid toolbox contributes to the proper and lawful aid provision, highlighting their importance for Cyprus, due to the international political challenges it faces in the wider region and the consequences of the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, it adds.

It is noted that the representatives of the European Commission ‘congratulated’ Michaelidou for her statements, and for her goal of promoting the Exemption Regulations.