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A Vibrant Tapestry of Malaysia: Open Day 2025 celebrates heritage and
The High Commission of Malaysia in Accra marked a significant milestone in Malaysia-Ghana relations by successfully hosting Malaysia Open Day 2025 on Wednesday, 10 September.
The event brought together a dynamic mix of Ghanaians, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, students, and the Malaysian diaspora in a vibrant celebration of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, culinary diversity, and expanding bilateral ties with Ghana.
In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Syed Nauzer Idid, Chargé d’affaires a.i. and Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Ghana, extended his heartfelt appreciation to all guests in attendance.
He underscored the strong and longstanding relationship between the two nations, stating, “Malaysia and Ghana share a history of strong relations built on friendship, trade, and cultural exchange.
Through this Open Day, we are delighted to bring a piece of Malaysia to Accra – from our dances and martial arts to our food, products, and tourism offerings – while also highlighting opportunities for greater collaboration between our two countries.”
The occasion showcased four major pillars central to Malaysia-Ghana relations: trade and investment, education, tourism, and culture. Guests were treated to a rich programme of cultural performances that included traditional Malaysian dances such as Tarian Zapin and Tarian Dikir Puteri, alongside a captivating demonstration of Pencak Silat, Malaysia’s traditional martial art.
A standout moment during the festivities featured a Ghanaian cultural troupe performing a Malaysian dance – a symbolic gesture that reflected the deepening cultural bridge and mutual appreciation between the two nations.
Elevating the festive atmosphere, guests were delighted by an exquisite array of authentic Malaysian cuisine, meticulously prepared by the members of PERWAKILAN Accra.
This dedicated association of diplomats’ spouses embodied the very heart of Malaysian hospitality, presenting culinary treasures such as the richly-spiced Beef Rendang, the delicate, multi-layered Kuih Lapis, and delightfully crispy Banana Fritters.
Each dish provided attendees with an authentic journey through Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, ensuring the event was not only a feast for the senses but also a profound platform for cultural exchange and connection.
The Malaysia Open Day also served as a strategic platform to promote Malaysian products, services, and partnerships in Ghana. Several Ghanaian companies with longstanding Malaysian ties were featured prominently in the exhibition area.
These included Adom Buy for Less Ent., a key distributor of Malaysian palm oil; KentMed Enterprises, representing popular Malaysian brands Alicafé and MyBiscuits; and Yinson, a company with significant operational presence in Ghana, underscoring Malaysia’s growing economic footprint in the region.
In line with Malaysia’s current ASEAN Chairmanship, the event also featured a special segment to promote regional unity and cooperation. The High Commission took the opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s leadership role as the current ASEAN Chair and the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October 2025, which will be hosted in Kuala Lumpur with the attendance of ASEAN Heads of State.
This underscores Malaysia’s commitment to regional diplomacy and its active engagement on the global stage.
In addition to trade, the High Commission highlighted the importance of educational cooperation, encouraging Ghanaian students to consider Malaysia as a destination for quality higher education. The event spotlighted Malaysia’s world-class institutions and longstanding initiatives such as the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which continues to contribute to capacity building and knowledge exchange between both nations.
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, tourism promotion was another key focus of the event. The High Commission collaborated with leading Ghanaian travel agencies, Adansi Travels and Lamaira Travel & Tours, to introduce travel opportunities to Malaysia and encourage greater people-to-people connectivity. This initiative aims to further enhance cultural understanding and mutual exploration between Malaysians and Ghanaians.
Aligning with Malaysia’s role as a global leader in the halal industry, the High Commission showcased MIHAS 2025 to foster international collaboration. A pivotal discussion point was the ongoing effort to secure global recognition for Ghana’s Bureau of Halal Certification. This endorsement is a gateway for Ghana to access the international halal market, paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and certification cooperation.
As the event drew to a close, Syed Nauzer reflected on the broader significance of the day’s celebrations. “Our relationship with Ghana is built on more than trade and diplomacy; it is about fostering lasting people-to-people connections rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and cultural understanding,” he remarked, reiterating Malaysia’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Ghana on all levels.
The Malaysia Open Day 2025 concluded on a high note with guests invited to explore thematic pavilions, interact with exhibitors, enjoy ongoing cultural performances, and savour the best of Malaysian hospitality.
The event has encapsulated a spirit of unity, friendship, and forward-looking partnership between Malaysia and Ghana.
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called for urgent and decisive action following recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians living in South Africa.
In a statement issued in Accra on April 29, the caucus expressed concern about what it described as a growing pattern of violence against foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal, Durban and Gauteng.
The group noted that Ghanaian-owned businesses have been attacked, while some individuals have been harassed and assaulted. It added that, in certain cases, victims have also been denied access to essential services.
According to the statement, claims that foreign nationals are responsible for crime and economic hardship are unfounded and should be rejected.
The caucus referred to the widely circulated assault of a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Asamoah, as an example of the severity of the situation. It also raised concern about reports that some incidents occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers without effective intervention.
The Minority acknowledged steps taken by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, including his engagement with South African authorities and efforts to provide consular support to affected Ghanaians.
It noted the public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, describing these as necessary but not sufficient.
The caucus called on the South African government to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and to hold security agencies accountable where they fail to act.
It urged authorities to take practical steps to protect foreign nationals across the country.
On the part of Ghana, the Minority urged the government to adopt a stronger and more structured response.
It called for direct engagement between President John Dramani Mahama and President Ramaphosa to secure firm commitments on the safety of Ghanaians.
The statement further recommended increased consular support for citizens in affected areas and called for the issue to be escalated to the African Union for an urgent inquiry into recurring xenophobic attacks.
It urged the government to work with regional partners within ECOWAS to present a unified response.
The Minority suggested that Ghana should seek assurances from South Africa, including confirmed arrests, clear prosecution processes and a plan to protect foreign nationals.
It added that compensation should be considered for victims who have suffered losses.
The statement, signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain cautious and maintain contact with the Ghana High Commission.
It stressed that Ghana must act firmly to protect its citizens and uphold the principles of cooperation and solidarity among African countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Climate Change and Sustainability Ministry backs WiSA International Festival to promote women-led climate action
The Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability has expressed support for the Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) International Festival, aimed at promoting inclusive climate action and sustainable development across the continent.
In a statement, the Office said it recognises WiSA as an important platform that brings together governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to drive climate solutions and economic transformation.
The Festival is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This year’s event under the theme: Empowering Women For The Economic Sustainability of Africa, will feature, Liu Yaw Nana, Acting Secretary of Ghana-Chinese Business Chamber of Commerce, Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Dr.Agness Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Bishop E.O Ansah, General Overseer, Eternal Life Church, President, Women’s Development Association, Turkey, Nilgün Zaimoğlu and Chief of Government Relations and Africa UN Global Compact.
Additionally, it will host, Dr.Charity Binka, Chairperson, Chairperson, African Women Leaders Network , Pearl Opoku, Trader and GUTA National Organiser, Lydia Abbey, Makola Market Queen, actress Juliet Ibrahim, CEO of FZ Global Legacy, Francesca Zoppi, The Revival Founder, Yayra Agbofah and many others.
According to the statement, WiSA’s vision, led by Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, aligns with national and continental goals on climate resilience, green growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Office noted that WiSA’s focus on empowering women as key drivers of sustainability and economic productivity is a practical approach to addressing climate challenges and development gaps.
It highlighted WiSA’s track record of engaging global institutions and organising multi-stakeholder events as evidence of its ability to mobilise partnerships and deliver results.
The Ministry said the 2026 Festival presents an opportunity to promote climate-smart investments, green innovation and scalable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and the circular economy.
It added that the event will also support public-private partnerships and strengthen Africa-led solutions in global sustainability discussions.
As part of its commitment, the Office said it will support policy coordination, facilitate engagement with relevant government agencies, and promote an enabling environment for climate finance and green investments.
It also pledged to contribute to knowledge sharing, technical support and stakeholder mobilisation.
The statement emphasised that investing in initiatives like WiSA is key to driving inclusive economic growth, building resilience and achieving long-term development goals.
It further stressed that empowering women remains central to delivering sustainable and equitable outcomes.
The Office called on organisations to partner with WiSA to support climate action and sustainable development efforts across Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
