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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.
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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