More than 300 people, consisting of Rwandans living in Ghana, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Officials of the Government of Ghana, and friends of Rwanda on Friday July 26, 2024, convened to celebrate 30 years of Rwanda’s Liberation, known in Kinyarwanda as Kwibohora30.

Made-In-Rwanda products such as Akabanga chilli oil, Rwandan Tea and coffee, Rwandan fabric were exhibited during the program held at the Chancery of the High of Rwanda in Accra Ghana.

It was also an opportunity to showcase Rwandair services, where the Rwandan national career has been active for over a decade.

The Liberation Day, which is celebrated in Rwanda on July 4, but celebrated by Rwandans abroad throughout the month of July, is a significant national day to reflect on Rwanda’s liberation journey, when the country triumphed the evil of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 celebrating the remarkable turn around over the past 30 years.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Local Government, Honourable Vincent Ekow Assafuah, joined by other officials, represented the Government of Ghana at the celebration which was on the theme: ‘Rwanda’s Journey Continues.’

The High Commissioner of Rwanda in Ghana, Her Excellency Rosemary Mbabazi in her remarks chronicled events that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi, reflected on its root causes. She also shared the journey of Rwanda's liberation struggle which ended the genocide beginning the restoration of Rwanda's unity as one of Africa’s oldest nation states.

She mentioned the progress Rwanda has made since the country was liberated, emphasising the equal access to opportunities and resources with the example of the government's efforts to bring previously marginalised demographics like women and youth to fully benefit from the country's socioeconomic transformation journey as major drivers.

Following the recent Presidential and Legislative elections, women in Rwanda's Parliament's lower chamber of deputies increased to over 63%, the highest globally.

She said: “The last three decades have been redefining and revolutionary in all aspects of Rwanda’s life, irrevocably transforming us for the better… Rwandans enjoy equal access to resources and opportunities on merit.”

Dwelling on the outcome of the recently held presidential and parliamentary election in Rwanda in which president Paul Kagame won with 99.18% of the total votes cast, High Commissioner Mbabazi added: “The unequivocal message that Rwandans sent to the world during these past 30 years has been that with a clear vision and committed leadership, no goal is too high to achieve.”

High Commissioner Mbabazi reiterated the commitment and readiness of Rwanda to work closely with allies and to contribute to global progress through bilateral and multilateral endeavors.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Local Government, Honourable Vincent Ekow Assafuah in his remarks paid tribute to the heroes who sacrificed to liberate Rwanda saying: “We recognize the invaluable contributions of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, whose dedication and visionary leadership have been instrumental in driving Rwanda’s economic and social transformation.” 

“Let us reaffirm our collective dedication to upholding the principles of justice, equality and solidarity that form the cornerstone of a free and prosperous society. Let us commit ourselves to supporting Rwanda in its endeavour to build a nation based on the values of unity, reconciliation and sustainable development,” he added.

As part of the celebration, 30 young Rwandans, symbolizing the 30 years of celebration, took turns to recite a statement to remind the audience gathered at the event of key moments in the liberation struggle and to also inform people of the key interesting facts about Rwanda.

Also, an economy class ticket and a business class ticket were given to two lucky winners in raffle conducted by Rwandair for a trip to Rwanda.