In a landmark decision, President John Dramani Mahama has approved a site for the establishment of a permanent genocide memorial monument in Accra to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The monument, when constructed will be the first of its kind in Africa outside Rwanda and it would symbolise African unity, remembrance, and solidarity.
Yussif Issaka Jajah (MP), Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts revealed this during this year’s celebration of Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Day, known in Kinyarwanda- the national language of Rwanda- as Kwibohora.
“I am honoured to announced that the President, John Mahama has approved the site for a genocide memorial monument in Ghana” he said.
The decision marks a milestone in African-led commemoration efforts. While several memorials to the genocide exist around the world, Ghana’s site will be the first officially supported by a national government outside of Rwanda.
Ghana’s gesture is also a tribute to the bravery of its peacekeepers who served in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) in 1994. Ghana was among the few nations that kept their troops in place when the genocide unfolded, working to protect innocent civilians amid unimaginable atrocities.
In her speech, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi also paid tribute to the heroes who sacrificed to save and transform Rwanda after the genocide against the Tutsi in which more than a million people were killed.
“As we reflect on the journey of the past 31 years, we honour the heroes of the Rwandese Patriotic Front/Army, led by now President of Rwanda His Excellency Paul Kagame, whose unmatched courage, discipline, and patriotism halted the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and brought our country back from the edge of decimation. They did not simply end a genocide. They redefined what is possible for a nation betrayed by its institutions and abandoned by the world.”
She said this Kwibohora31 celebration in Ghana this year was a historic one as it brought together for the first time Rwandan communities from Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. They were joined in the celebration by Ghanaian officials, diplomats, and friends of Rwanda.
The event also highlighted Rwanda’s journey of recovery and transformation since liberation in 1994. High Commissioner Mbabazi reflected on the country’s path from destruction to dignity, describing Rwanda today as “a nation anchored in dignity, accountability, equity, and progress.”
The event in Accra included moving cultural performances by a traditional Rwandan troupe that showcased the country’s heritage through dance and music, reminding attendees of Rwanda’s vibrant identity beyond its painful.
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