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ATU, Ideal Home Deco award 6 students with scholarship

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• Prof. Amevi Acakpov (middle) with Mr Tony Haikal with staff of ATU, some members of Ideal Home Decor and award winners Photo Lizzy Okai
• Prof. Amevi Acakpov (middle) with Mr Tony Haikal with staff of ATU, some members of Ideal Home Decor and award winners Photo Lizzy Okai

 The Accra Technical University (ATU) in collaboration with Ideal Home Deco last Thursday award­ed six students from the Department of Interior Design and Upholstery Technology with scholarship grants.

The scholarships mean the company management will fully pay the fees of the students for the duration of their programmes.

The recipients were among a total of 24 students that applied for the grant instituted by Ideal Home Deco in partnership with the school.

A total of 10 students were initially shortlisted out of which the best six students were awarded after a careful scrutiny of their application.

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The awardees were made up of four females and two males.

They include Ms Sonia Anne Carole and Ms Gloria Olawarasin (Furniture competition); Doe Anthony and Selina Appiah (Swimming pool design), Dad­son Aziz, N’cho Sonia and Rhoda Elorm Ama Nyarku (Open concept design).

The rest among the shortlisted re­ceived certificates and parcels.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, in his welcome address commended Ideal Home Deco for such an initiative to shape the fu­ture of the students and bring innova­tion and creativity to their door steps.

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“The school is going to sustain and expand this gesture and make sure more students benefit from this course,” Prof. Acakpovi added.

According to him, “we are in a world of creativity and thus students must be fully prepared to meet the realities out there and not just having certificates.”

He congratulated recipients and urged them to continue to strive for excellence and push the Department of Interior Design to new heights.

The Managing Director of Ideal Home Deco, Mr Tony Haikal, said the company was happy to partner the university to run the course, adding that the initiative will open doors to talented and passionate individuals who want to excel in the world of entrepreneurship.

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According to him, the initiative formed part of the company’s corpo­rate social responsibility to promote students creativity and innovation in the country.

He stated that the scholarship scheme was not just about the fi­nancial support being offered to the students.

“It is about recognising and inspir­ing the youth to do more,” Mr Haikal emphasised.

“I will also take this opportunity to show my gratitude to ATU for collab­orating with us. We will continue to support this worthy cause together.”

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Present at the ceremony were del­egations from Ideal Home Deco, Inte­rior Design Decorators Ghana (IDDG), Egypt Embassy and guests from Rak Ceramics VAE, VIVRA DECO, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Ghana and architects council.

 By Linda Abrefi Wadie

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Minority Caucus demands release of Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, alleges abuse of power by NIB

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The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate release of Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, accusing the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) of abusing its powers in the conduct of investigations against him.

In a press statement dated February 11, 2026, and signed by Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Caucus described the actions of the NIB as “unacceptable” and politically motivated.

According to the statement, the issue began on February 3, 2026, when the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, wrote to the Director-General of the NIB.

In the letter, he requested an investigation into an allegation reportedly made by Mr. Ofosu Nkansah on Sompa Radio 106.5.

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The allegation suggested that an individual had paid money to secure a scholarship to study abroad. The letter further directed the NIB to submit its findings.

The Minority said Mr. Ofosu Nkansah was first invited to the NIB office on February 5, 2026, to assist with investigations.

He reportedly honoured the invitation and appeared with his lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.

After the meeting, he was allowed to go home without being charged.

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However, the Caucus said the NIB invited him again on February 9, while he was in Kumasi visiting his seriously ill father.

According to the statement, he informed the Bureau that he could not report immediately due to his father’s condition and requested to appear on February 11 instead.

The Minority claimed the NIB insisted he report earlier.

The statement further alleged that when Mr. Ofosu Nkansah reported to the NIB, heavily armed officers took him to his residence to conduct a search and later returned him to the NIB office at Nima in Accra.

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The Minority Caucus questioned the need for what it described as “forcible actions,” especially when, in its view, Mr. Ofosu Nkansah had been cooperative.

It also claimed that his rights were infringed upon and alleged that he had been taken to an unknown location without access to his legal counsel.

“As far as we know, Mr. Ofosu is at an unknown location,” the statement said, adding that the situation was worrying.

The Caucus argued that such actions could undermine Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law. It maintained that investigations should be conducted in a civil and lawful manner.

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The Minority also linked the incident to what it described as broader national concerns, including delays in payments to cocoa farmers, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

It urged the government to focus its attention on addressing these economic challenges instead.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NACOC to begin licensing for medicinal, industrial cannabis cultivation

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The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced that it will soon begin issuing licences for the cultivation of cannabis strictly for medicinal and industrial purposes in Ghana.

In a press statement dated February 11, 2026, the Commission said the move follows Parliament’s approval of the regulatory and cost framework to operationalise the licensing regime.

The framework allows for the controlled cultivation, processing and use of cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 per cent.

NACOC explained that the licences will be granted only to qualified entities that meet strict requirements.

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According to the Commission, applicants must have strong security protocols, product traceability systems, quality assurance standards, and must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

It cautioned prospective applicants to deal directly and exclusively with the Commission through its Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD).

It also warned the public to avoid individuals, groups or associations claiming they can facilitate the licensing process. The Commission stressed that applicants must follow only the officially approved procedures and guidelines.

NACOC reiterated that the recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Ghana.

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It noted that the new licensing regime applies only to cannabis with THC content not exceeding 0.3 per cent and strictly for medicinal and industrial use.

The Commission said it will work closely with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority to ensure effective implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the framework.

NACOC said it remains committed to protecting public health and safety while supporting lawful innovation and industrial development in the country.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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