Ghana's High Commissioner to Malta, Barbara Akuokor Benisa, has expressed optimism for increased collaboration with Malta over the next decade for mutual benefit.

She made these remarks during the 10th anniversary celebration of Ghana's diplomatic mission in Valletta, Malta, which featured a Ghanaian choral music concert by the Winneba Youth Choir.

High Commissioner Benisa highlighted Malta's achievements in key developmental areas, such as tourism, which she believes offer valuable lessons for Ghana.

"Following the commemoration of the Year of Return, Ghana has realised there is more to explore in tourism, and our diplomatic relationship with Malta helps us collaborate in many ways to draw the full benefits," she told Joy News after the event at The Phoenicia in Valletta.

The President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, reflected on the key milestones in Ghana-Malta relations, including the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974, and expressed confidence in the prospects for both nations.

Ambassador Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary to the President of Ghana, who represented President Akufo-Addo at the event, thanked the government and the people of Malta for their support of the mission since its establishment.

"The visits of President Akufo-Addo to Malta and the reciprocal visit of President George Vella to Ghana in March this year mark significant milestones in our diplomatic relationship," he noted.

The 10th-anniversary celebration featured a night of choral music by the Winneba Youth Choir, led by Mr. John Francis Arthur-Yamoah, with several high points, including a moving rendition of the Maltese national anthem that drew an emotional response from President Debono.

In a televised message, Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, commended the team at the Ghana High Commission and identified education, health, fisheries, and trade as areas for potential exchange and cooperation.

The event also drew participation from top Maltese government officials, including Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg, members of the diplomatic community, and Ghanaians residing in Malta.

Other representatives from the government of Ghana included Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, who is also the Patron of the Winneba Youth Choir; Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Arts, and Culture and Mike Ocquaye Jnr, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.

Ghana's mission in Malta began 10 years ago following the relocation of its mission from Libya due to political instability there.

With a population of over 500,000, Malta is known for its religious heritage, ancient architecture, and vibrant tourism industry.