Ghana and Rwanda have strengthened their long-standing bond with the unveiling of two permanent monuments at Burma Camp in Accra, built by the Government of Rwanda to honour the courage and sacrifice of Ghanaian peacekeepers who served under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The monuments were jointly unveiled by Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, and Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, followed by the laying of wreaths in memory of the more than one million people who lost their lives during one of the darkest chapters in modern history.
The memorials pay tribute to the Ghana Armed Forces, led by Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, whose troops remained in Rwanda when many international forces withdrew. Their decision to stay helped protect thousands of vulnerable civilians from certain death. Ghana’s commitment was backed by the government of President Jerry John Rawlings, which chose not to withdraw its peacekeepers despite the growing dangers. Major General Anyidoho was later awarded Rwanda’s highest national honour for bravery by in recognition of his leadership.
The 1994 genocide unfolded over approximately 100 days after the assassination of Rwandan President , leading to the systematic killing of more than one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu. While much of the international community failed to act decisively, Ghana’s peacekeepers became a symbol of courage, humanity and African solidarity.
By constructing these monuments, Rwanda has demonstrated that gratitude and remembrance remain powerful foundations for reconciliation and lasting friendship between nations.
The ceremony also reflects the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly the vision of “The Africa We Want”—a continent built on peace, security, unity, good governance and shared responsibility. Remembering those who stood against genocide reinforces the need for African nations to work together to prevent conflict, protect human dignity and strengthen peacekeeping institutions.
As Africa pursues a future of greater integration and prosperity, the story of Ghana’s peacekeepers in Rwanda stands as a reminder that true leadership is measured not only by words, but by the courage to protect humanity when it matters most.
