Ghana’s Ashesi University, on April 10 unveiled a monument on its campus, the first ever at an African university, in honour of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The unveiling of the monument, which was witnessed by Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana during his visit to Accra, saw him join Ashesi University’s Founder and President, Patrick Awuah, for the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The monument also recognises the contribution of the Ghanaian contingent that served in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), under the leadership of (Rtd) Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho. Despite orders to evacuate, he convinced the Ghanaian government to remain, helping save thousands of lives. “The country [Rwanda] now represents Africa’s hope, and proves that when people put their minds to something, they can achieve it,” Awuah said. Minister Nsengimana described the monument as a significant milestone, noting that Ashesi is “leading African academic institutions in raising awareness about this atrocious crime committed on our continent in the not-so-distant past.” “You are making a strong statement that the lives we lost in Rwanda, men, women, and children, matter to our shared Africanness and humanity,” he added. At the event, Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, former Deputy Force Commander of UNAMIR and leader of the Ghanaian contingent, joined fellow veteran peacekeepers in welcoming the initiative, highlighting Rwanda’s remarkable journey of recovery and resilience. The solemn gathering, according to the organisers, provided a space for reflection, remembrance, and solidarity, bringing together members of the Rwandan community, students, and invited guests to honour lives lost and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, humanity, and justice. ALSO READ: Truth about Genocide is one clear path to reconciliation Reacting to the initiative via X, foreign affairs minister Olivier Nduhungirehe noted the memorial is a symbol of solidarity between Rwanda and Ghana. “I wish to express the appreciation of the government of Rwanda to the Ashesi University in Ghana, and to its President Patrick Awuah, for erecting this memorial to honour the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, and to pay tribute to the Ghanaian contingent in Rwanda for its bravery, he wrote.
