The 28th Liberation Day celebrations were held by the Rwandan community of Ghana on July 29. They were held to commemorate the achievements of Rwanda in improving the lives and well-being of its people.
Liberation Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the courage and selflessness of RPF Inkotanyi, under President Paul Kagame’s visionary leadership and command, who fought tirelessly for Rwanda’s liberation and to stop the 1994 Genocide Against Tutsi.
Amb was among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony. 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.
She said that Rwandans have had tangible improvements in their lives and have a voice beyond having a voice.
“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 recognized Liberation Day as the start of a transformative 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 praised the strong cooperation between the countries, which continues to grow with their latest engagement of signing a Memorandum of Understanding among the Parliaments of Ghana & Rwanda.
akagina@newtimesrwanda.com
Source: rnewtimes
