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SUWMA wins Bethel New Aplaku Methodist Lay Movement Week competition
THE Methodist Church, Ghana, marked this year’s Lay Movement Week with a series of activities aimed at strengthening faith, promoting fellowship, and encouraging practical Christian living. This year’s edition was under the theme: ‘Walking in the Word: Equipped for Every Good Work.’
At the Bethel Society of the New Aplaku at Bortianor, the Circuit observed the event with a three-day special event centred on knowing one’s organisation, loving the Church, and glorifying God. The aim was to promote unity in the Circuit and deepen members’ knowledge of the Church.
At the end, the Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary (SUWMA) emerged winners, followed by the Women’s Fellowship in second place, while the defending champions, the Christ Little Band, placed third.
The week-long celebration was climaxed on Sunday with a thanksgiving service, bringing members together in gratitude and worship. The celebration reaffirmed the commitment of the Church and its members to continue walking in God’s Word while contributing meaningfully to the spiritual and social development of society.
Speaking at the climax of the celebration, the President of the Lay Movement, Mr Kwasi Attah-Antwi, urged members to emulate Christ by allowing their lives to be directed by the word of God.
He commended both clergy and congregation for their commitment and active participation throughout the celebration, noting that activities such as the health talks, economic empowerment discussions, and lifestyle sessions helped to deepen members’ spiritual understanding.
Additionally, he said, “It also addressed practical issues affecting our everyday lives.”
Reflecting on the theme, he emphasised that Christians must go beyond merely hearing the Word of God and demonstrate it through their actions. He highlighted key initiatives of the Lay Movement, including the Lay Movement Entrepreneurship Programme, which seeks to equip especially young people with skills, mentorship, and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
By Lilian Anim Amissah
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
