The Rwandan community in Ghana, on July 29, marked the 28th Liberation Day celebrations that were held in light of the progress Rwanda has made to improve the lives of its people.

Liberation Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the bravery and selflessness of RPF-Inkotanyi, under the visionary leadership and command of President Paul Kagame, who fought tirelessly to liberate Rwanda and stop the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

The ceremony was attended by different dignitaries including Amb. Perpetua Ofori Dufu, who represented Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Ghana’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

In her address, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Aissa Kacyira, commended the impact liberation has had on Rwandans and how far Rwanda has come as a nation, restoring Rwanda’s dignity and offering security and hope.

"The attainment of our Liberation marked the beginning and rebirth of a new Rwanda where all Rwandans have a place to call home. We all have a voice that is valued and are dignified members of our society and the global community,” she said.

Amb. Perpetua Ofori Dufu, who represented Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey speaks at the event.

Beyond having a voice, Rwandans as part of this liberation journey, have continued to have inclusively improved livelihoods in tangible ways, she added.

"From the fractured and traumatic history, we chose to unite, reconcile and rebuild our nation with a common vision and strive to think big.”

Kacyira reiterated that the values that underpinned Rwanda’s liberation continue to define everything Rwanda does, including its international relations and foreign policy.

"In this regard, Rwanda opened its borders easing access and travel, and plays an active role in the establishment of AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) and implementation of intra-African trade,” she added.

In the same spirit, she noted with appreciation the Pan-African partnership amongst Ghana, Senegal and Rwanda in vaccine production with the strong collaboration and leadership of the three Heads-of-State which she said will enhance Africa’s resilience and self-reliance in health.

Dufu recognised Liberation Day as the beginning of a transformational journey for Rwanda.

"Rwanda has established itself as a proud and ambitious African country committed to excellence and prosperity while fulfilling the aspirations of its people in a modern and competitive world,” she said. 

She also commended the strong cooperation between the two countries which continues to grow with the latest engagement of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Parliaments of Ghana and Rwanda.