Rwandans and friends of Rwanda living in Ghana on Saturday, August 26, gathered in Accra to celebrate the National Harvest Day, Umuganura.

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Banned by colonialists and made insignificant under post-independence governments, Umuganura was restored to national prominence in 2011. It is today among the main national days celebrated with a public holiday every year on the first Friday of August.

Traditionally, Umuganura was the most significant celebration bringing together Rwandans in thanksgiving for their good harvest and health.

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Presently, Umuganura is an opportunity for Rwandans living in the country and abroad to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, reinforce its restored unity and take stock of the country’s progress as they commit to increase efforts to further deliver on the country’s vision.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Charge d’Affaires of the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana, Theophile Rurangwa, hinted that Umuganura is a reminder of the choices that Rwandans have made, most importantly the choice to stay together, united by their shared history and culture.

Recalling the disaster emergencies that hit the country earlier in May, Rurangwa appreciated Rwandans in Ghana as well as those in the other countries overseen by the Rwandan High Commission in Ghana for their solidarity in contributing to recovery actions.

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"Your continued participation in all national programs and contribution to various initiatives is a clear testimony that the values embedded in Umuganura are not said only in words but are in practice,” he said.

During the event, Rwandan students who are currently pursuing their education in various universities across Ghana took the stage to perform a drama skit on the values of Umuganura in contemporary Rwanda, while the community joined together in cultural dance and song.