News
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.
Medical Doctor and dietician, Dr Bernice Korkor Asare, has urged women to take greater responsibility for their lifestyle choices, particularly their eating habits and levels of physical activity, to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
According to her, although, some breast cancer risk factors, such as family history and certain reproductive factors, may not be within an individual’s control, lifestyle choices offer an opportunity for people to take preventive action.
She made this known during a talk on the topic: “Role of diet in breast cancer prevention” organised by Times Ladies Association of the New Times Corporation, publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, in Accra on Thursday.
The event themed “Breast Cancer Awareness- Promoting Early Detection, Healthy Eating and Prevention.” 
She noted that having a risk factor did not automatically mean a person would develop breast cancer, but could increase the likelihood of developing the disease compared with someone without that particular risk factor.
“Having close relatives who have had breast cancer, particularly a mother, sister or daughter, may increase the risk, although not everyone with a family history will develop the disease,” Dr Asare opined. Read More.
By Adizatu K. Munkaila
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
Read Daily News
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Buy Maps
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
A group of compassionate friends from Innovation Gospel Impact last Friday visited the management, teachers and learners of the Street Academy in Accra.
The visit was to interact to get a deeper insight into the operations of the Academy that houses hundreds of street and underprivileged children and find ways to support them.
The team was led by Rev. Dr Isaac Apenteng Yeboah, a former Director for West African Mailbox Club and Director for Prisons Support Foundation, and Rev. Dale Sutherland from Washington DC.
The call, according to the visitors was occasioned by reports about the struggles of the Academy despite the occasional support it enjoys from individuals and some corporate entities.
Briefing them, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, Dr Ataa Lartey, thanked them for the concern showed, indicating that “this is a major boost for both teachers and learners; knowing that their plight is known by people outside their premises.”
According Dr Lartey, the Academy had planned to undertake a number of project to enhance teaching and learning and also procure facilities for the children with keen interest in sports but had to shelve those plans for lack of finance.
He told the team that their biggest concerns were the monthly utility bills that takes a toll on their finances.
“We have a piece of land we planned to turn into an astro turf pitch to train the younger ones whose interests lies in making a career out of football, however, we have been unable to commence because there is no money now,” he said.
Dr Lartey expressed gratitude to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to training these children, rather than going for well-paying jobs and hoped that with time, their conditions of engagement would improve.
Moved by the plight of the Academy, the group donated a cash amount of Gh₵3,000 to settle its water bills.
They described as unfortunate the conditions of learners and teachers of the Academy and pledged to continuously support their operations to realize the dream to build a better future for the unfortunate children.
The group offered to support the school with its monthly utility bills, feeding and staff allowance and urged the Academy staff to remain in constant touch with them.
The Street Academy is located at the Accra Art Center and offers brilliant but needy the chance to pursue their educational dreams by enrolling them in public schools with others offered training in sports and cultural activities.
By Spectator Reporter
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
