The High Commissioner of Rwanda in Ghana, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira has underscored the steady development of mutual ties between Rwanda and Ghana, despite the pandemic disruption.
She noted that the strong relations between the two countries, which has developed over the past 27 years and enhanced through the shared vision of the governments of both countries should serve as a catalyst to propel trade and investment flows between Rwanda and Ghana for economic growth and improvement of livelihoods in the face of the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
“Since 1994, our leadership has continued to nurture a deep and lasting relation and cooperation between our two countries which constitute a solid foundation for stronger partnership in various areas.
“As a High Commission which was established last year in the middle of this pandemic, we have been able to make these strides not only by our effort but largely by this spirit and team work and I want to reassure you that we are here to stay and fully committed to continue serving and facilitating this cause unreservedly,” she said.
In this regard, Rwanda has identified three key areas of focus for stronger cooperation with Ghana including tourism, trade and business investment, and education.
Dr. Aisa Kacyira made this known at a welcome reception hosted by the Rwanda High Commission in Ghana for a 32-member Rwanda delegation who are in Ghana to explore tourism and business opportunities that will create significant, largescale benefits for the two countries.
The visiting Rwandan delegation comprises leaders from both the private and public sectors and the delegation is led by Rwanda’s Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Akaliza.
The visit is a reciprocal one to an earlier visit to Rwanda by Ghanaian public officials and business executives as well as the media in March this year.
Organizers of the visits are hopeful that the familiarization tours, which are being conducted within the context of trade and tourism will serve as a window to grow partnerships between Rwanda and Ghanaian businesses and public institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Special Advisor to Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Nana Osarfo-Adjei recounted the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the tourism sector, which has also affected operators in related industries because of the reduced consumer demands.
He said the government has initiated various initiatives aimed at boosting the recovery of the tourism sector and expects the visit of the Rwandan delegation to Ghana to help towards mobilizing increased South-South collaboration.
“Tourism, trade and investment are not independent dockets but interrelated because through visiting one another, we are able to discover the opportunities available, thereby boosting business and trade as well as invest in each other’s economies.
“More broad-looking visits like the familiarization tours conducted between Rwanda and Ghana will be key building blocks to working towards Agenda63 of the Africa we want,” he said.
