The Minister of Education of Rwanda, Joseph Nsengimana, joined the leadership and community of Ashesi University on Friday, April 10, for the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, marked by the unveiling of a memorial monument in honor of the victims.

The solemn ceremony, held on the Ashesi campus, brought together students, faculty, members of the Rwandan community in Ghana, and distinguished guests to reflect on the tragedy and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace and humanity.

In his remarks, Minister Nsengimana described the occasion as a significant milestone, commending Ashesi University for its leadership in raising awareness about the genocide. He noted that the institution is “leading African academic institutions in raising awareness about this atrocious crime committed on our continent in the not-so-distant past,” adding that such efforts affirm that the lives lost—men, women, and children—“matter to our shared Africanness and humanity.”

The monument unveiled during the ceremony also pays tribute to the Ghanaian Battalion of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), whose members demonstrated extraordinary courage during the genocide. Despite orders to evacuate, they chose to remain in Rwanda in 1994, contributing to efforts to save lives. Their sacrifice was honored as part of the Kwibuka32 observance hosted by the university.

The High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi, emphasized the importance of translating remembrance into action. “When we say never again, it should be in reality,” she stated. “We must ensure that what happened in Rwanda never happens again. Peace is our choice. By remembering, we are ensuring that whatever happened never happens anywhere in the world.” She also expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Ghanaian contingent in saving lives during the genocide.

The Founder and President of Ashesi University, Patrick Awuah, reflected on the importance of telling Africa’s stories and preserving historical memory. He shared how the events of 1994 influenced his personal journey and decision to return to Ghana from the United States to establish Ashesi University. “To me, the monument unveiled is an honour to the memories of the victims, survivors, and the sacrifices of everyone who contributed to bringing peace to Rwanda,” he said.

Also present at the event was Henry Kwami Anyidoho, former Deputy Force Commander of UNAMIR and leader of the Ghanaian contingent. Joined by fellow veteran peacekeepers, he welcomed the initiative and highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable journey of recovery and resilience in the years since the genocide.

The commemorative event provided a space for reflection, remembrance, and solidarity, reinforcing the enduring message of “Never Again.” It also underscored the strong and growing ties between Rwanda and Ashesi University, a leading pan-African institution that continues to host generations of Rwandan students and foster unity through shared moments of remembrance and renewed commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity.