"Help us fight mosquitoes in Accra because they spread malaria among our people." This was the passionate appeal by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C.Quaye when the new Malaysian High Commissioner to Ghana , His Excellency Muhammad Alias paid a courtesy call on him in his office in Accra yesterday.

The interaction between the two started with the traditional Ghanaian way of receiving visitors: "All is well here, may we know your mission?". This made the commissioner's work easier and he opened up with his mission. Being new in the country, he said he thought it wise to call on important personalities like the minister so that he could solicit their support in ensuring a cordial relationship between Ghana and Malaysia. Malaysia and Ghana, he said, have a lot in common especially because both belong to the Commonwealth and it was in their interest to work together for their common good.

The visit by President Kufuor to Malaysia last year he disclosed helped in bettering the bond of friendship between the two countries and therefore, both countries can do great things if they work together in various areas.

In his response, the Regional Minister, welcomed the High Commissioner and assured him of his readiness to cooperate with him in his mission in the country.

Ghana, he told the diplomat, is a land of peace with a stable system of government. The two countries he also said share many common interests. Though Ghana and Malaysia attained independence at about the same time, Sheikh I.C. Quaye told his guest, Malaysia had witnessed greater development over time. Ghana, he said, is also marching towards great heights too.

President Kufuor's visit to Malaysia last year, he maintained, brought home to Ghanaians lots of lessons.

Honesty must be the hallmark of the relationship between the two countries and he therefore asked for more support from the Malaysians in the area of lighting up the city of Accra.