The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has joined Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, to unveil two monuments at Burma Camp in Accra in honour of Ghanaian peacekeepers who served during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The monuments, constructed by the Government of Rwanda, are intended to serve as permanent symbols of appreciation and remembrance for the Ghana Armed Forces personnel who demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment while serving under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).
The two ministers also led delegations from Ghana and Rwanda to lay wreaths in memory of the victims of the genocide, which claimed the lives of more than one million people.
Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa commended the Government and people of Rwanda for the initiative, describing the monuments as a fitting tribute to the sacrifices and humanitarian efforts of Ghanaian peacekeepers who helped protect lives during one of the darkest periods in modern history.
He particularly highlighted the leadership of Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, who remained in Rwanda with Ghanaian troops at a time when several foreign contingents withdrew from the country.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the decision by Ghana’s government at the time, under former President Jerry John Rawlings, not to withdraw its troops contributed significantly to saving many lives during the genocide.
Major General Anyidoho had previously been honoured by Rwandan President Paul Kagame with the country’s highest national award for bravery in recognition of his role during the crisis.
The monuments at Burma Camp are expected to preserve the memory of the Ghanaian peacekeepers’ courage and serve as a reminder of the global responsibility to prevent genocide, hatred, discrimination and division.
Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa said the tribute reflects the enduring friendship between Ghana and Rwanda and the importance of remembering acts of humanity in times of crisis.
