Africa must Emulate Rwanda- Otumfuo

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is of the firm view that Rwanda is the ideal country to make a yardstick and inspire the rest of Africa towards development.

He recognizes that the country, through its visionary leadership refused to get tied down by the ravages of the 1994 Genocide that left the once beautiful East–Central African nation in ruins and claimed the lives of 800,000 people within a period of 100 days.

The story of the fast-developing country, His Majesty noted, is a perfect example of resilience and what Africa can achieve with visionary leaders leading the continent.

“I heard so much about Rwanda in terms of the leadership, the President and the ways he brought the country back after 1994. I also heard about the development there. It gives me great joy that an African country can be very resilient to stand on its own feet,” he said during a courtesy call by the Rwandan High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Rosemary Mbabazi.

He also disclosed his admiration for Paul Kagame, whose leadership over the country since the year 2000 has been a catalyst for the development seen in Rwanda.

“Leadership is all about having the vision and carrying the people along to achieve it. That is what I have done for Ghana all these years and that is what I see in your president also who has the vision to develop the country.

“He earns my admiration for that and therefore we wish that most of Africans will emulate. Rwanda must be used as a yardstick to measure the stability and development of countries.”

Courtesy call
Her Excellency Rosemary Mbabazi was at the Manhyia Palace for a courtesy call on Friday, April 19, 2024, along with some staff of the High Commission in Accra.

As part of the visit, two invitations were extended to the King- the first for the commemoration of the genocide 30 years on and the second for a state visit.

“For us in Ghana, we are going to be commemorating on 24th May and we are looking forward to having His Majesty join us if it is possible. We will be all happy to have him.”

The second invitation, she said would be to join the Kwita Izina, a conservation event constituted annually in September at the community grounds in Kinigi, Musanze District, right outside Volcanoes National Park, northwest of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

At the Kwita Izina festival, baby mountain gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park the year before receive their names, she indicated.

“We want to also invite you to Rwanda. We are happy to receive you in Rwanda particularly in September if possible. We have a conservation program that is presenting the Mountain Gorilla. The Mountain Gorilla is an aerial species that is endangered in the whole world and we now have in the world 1,060 and 600 in Rwanda in the mountains.”

She said the visit will also be an opportunity to experience the East-Central African country which prides itself as one of the safest countries and cleanest cities with women empowerment paramount.

“We will be honoured to have you join us in Rwanda not only to name the Gorillas but also to visit the country…Sixty-one per cent (61 %) of our Members of Parliament are women and also 50% of our cabinet are women. In the Judiciary we have 40% up from 5%. We would be glad to have you in Rwanda.”

She also delved into some collaboration they have with Ghana in education.

“We have 20 students from Rwanda studying at the KNUST, studying sciences, especially medicine and pharmacy. We have more than 20 in Ashesi University and others in Tamale doing their PhD.”

She further presented a painting of three cows to the King, noting cows in Rwanda signify partnership, collaboration, togetherness, riches and friendship.

“With this gift, we wish you wealth in your Kingdom.”

In his remarks, Otumfuo alluded to his inability to make it to the genocide event due to slated schedules for his silver jubilee.

He however served his readiness to experience Rwanda one day to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“I am going through this anniversary and I don’t know what might hinder me from coming around but then we will look at September if it would be an opportunity for us to visit Rwanda and see how we would build the collaboration we all want together. If I’m able to visit, it gives us the opportunity to share ideas and see what best can be done to bring out two people together”