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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.
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
