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Du Bois Lives On: Reflections from the 62nd Anniversary Commemoration in Accra
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation hosted a solemn yet inspiring commemoration to mark the 62nd anniversary of the passing of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois.
Under the theme “Du Bois Lives On: The Journey Ahead,” the event brought together dignitaries, scholars, diplomats, and members of the Du Bois family to honor the life and enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest intellectuals and Pan-Africanists.
The keynote address, delivered by the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, on behalf of his Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, hailed Du Bois as “a towering intellectual, a freedom fighter, and a cultural icon.”
He further underscored the government’s resolve to advance the redevelopment of the Centre as a lasting tribute to Du Bois’s legacy.
He noted:“The theme of this anniversary, ‘Du Bois Lives On: The Journey Ahead,’ reminds us that Du Bois’ enduring vision of unity, equality, and human dignity remains as urgent and relevant today as it was in his time.”
Dr. Kofi Boateng, Master of Ceremonies and CFO of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation in his reflective remarks, shared the symbolism of the day’s black and white attire, a cultural signifier of mourning and respect, and highlighted the Foundation’s collaboration with the Library of Congress to preserve Du Bois’s personal library of over 1,500 books.
He then read from Du Bois’s last letter to Ghana, a moving farewell penned in 1957 and opened only upon his death in 1963:“I have loved my work, I have loved people, and my play. But always I have been uplifted by the thought that what I have done well will live long and justify my life… One thing alone I charge you as you live, believe in life. Always human beings will live and progress to greater, broader, and fuller life.”
Mr. Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation welcomed attendees and emphasized the Foundation’s mission of transforming the Centre into a world-class museum and Pan-African hub.
He also read a message on behalf of Mr. Daniel Rose, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board, who praised Du Bois as “the most prominent and influential African American in history” and underscored the Foundation’s commitment to restoring the Centre through a joint agreement with the Government of Ghana .
Scholarly Reflections
Moderated by Japhet Aryiku, the panel featured eminent scholars who reflected on Du Bois’s life, scholarship, and global impact.
Dr. Shawki Kujo-Haffar emphasized Du Bois’s enduring Pan-African legacy, warning against the “absence of committed leaders” today but highlighting opportunities such as the new Du Bois Museum as “a monumental start in the preservation of Pan-Africanism.”
Dr. David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Du Bois, traced his intellectual contributions, from The Philadelphia Negro (1899) to Black Reconstruction in America (1935).
He reminded attendees that Du Bois’s work had long been undervalued in U.S. academia but now stands as foundational scholarship in history and sociology .
Dr. Jonathan Holloway, President of Rutgers University, drew from Du Bois’s writings and the symbolism of the Sankofa bird at his tomb.
He linked the diasporic “return home” experience to Du Bois’s own Pan-African journey, stressing the enduring tension between history, memory, and belonging .
Dr. Phil Sinitiere reflected on Du Bois’s intellectual and familial networks, including Shirley Graham Du Bois and adopted son David Graham Du Bois. He shared archival condolences from 1963–64, including one declaring: “Thank you for loving Dr. Du Bois. Thank you for cherishing and caring for him.”
Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The 1619 Project, spoke passionately about Du Bois’s impact on her own work:“No single thinker, writer, or scholar has had more of an impact on my own thinking as a writer, as a researcher, as a Black person, and as a Pan-Africanist as Du Bois has.”
Drawing parallels between Du Bois’s Black Reconstruction and her own project, she argued that both faced backlash because they “centered Black people in the American story.”
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Following the panel, dignitaries gathered at the tomb of Dr. Du Bois for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.
Tributes were offered in the following order: The Government of Ghana — represented by Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Du Bois Family — represented by Mr. Jeffrey Peck, great-grandson of Du Bois, and Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation — led by Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director.
Exhibition Opening
The afternoon continued with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition “The Du Boises in Ghana.” The ribbon was cut by Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms and MP for Tempane, accompanied by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation.
Guests were then led on a guided tour of the exhibition, which offers rare insights into the lives of Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois during their years in Ghana.
Commemorative Dinner
The day concluded with a dinner featuring music, and a welcome toast.
It was a moment of fellowship and reflection, celebrating not only Du Bois’s intellectual legacy but also his vision for Pan-African solidarity and unity.
More than a memorial—the event was a reaffirmation of Du Bois’s living legacy. Through speeches, wreath-laying, scholarship, and cultural exchange, the event underscored the urgency of his call for Pan-African unity and justice.
THE Gospel Advocates (TGA), a non-denominational evangelistic Christian organisation last Saturday donated a number of educational logistics to the Dodi Asantekrom Basic School in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The gesture was to mark the seventh anniversary of the organisation made up of professionals committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to students in senior high schools, particularly in rural communities.
TGA also seeks to inspire students towards attaining academic excellence and guiding them towards optimising the various learning opportunities and academic programmes available at the tertiary level.
Among the items donated were 100 desks, 10 cupboards, 10 desktop computers, two laptops, 10 teachers’ tables and chairs and others.
The group also held its annual outreach programme that had a significant impact in the community through initiatives such as feeding 500 children with hot meals and assorted drinks, providing free medical screening and drugs for 500 adults and youth and conducting health education and sensitisation for both children and adults.
TGA also took upon itself to restock the community clinic with essential medicines and distributed food items, plastic bowls, cups and clothing to members of the community.
The initiative, according to officials of the group, was supported by ORSAM Limited, Doctors Save Lives Foundation, Johnson Tord Foundation, El-Shaddai Mothercare, Exceed Alliance Limited, GB Foods Ghana Limited, Qualiplast Limited, Phyto-Riker (Gihoc) Pharmaceuticals Limited, Cosa Bright Ghana, Kabs Pharmacy, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, Pill Bay Pharmacy and Bamah 3.7.7.
“We are deeply grateful for their immense support and partnership in bringing hope, relief, and practical assistance to the people of Dodi Asantekrom,” the officials said.
In a statement, the President and Chairman of The Gospel Advocates, Mr. Selom Kpikpitse, said the donation to Dodi Asantekrom forms part of TGA’s broader mission to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ among students and youth in rural communities through teachings, music and arts.
He explained that the meals provided to over 500 pupils were in line with the organization’s annual “Feed the Kidz Project,” which demonstrates Christ’s love.
Receiving the items on behalf of the school, the Headmaster, Mr. Otumfour Newton, expressed gratitude to TGA and its sponsors, saying that “the items would significantly enhance teaching and learning while improving the overall welfare and development of the pupils.”
Mr. Newton also commended the team for the free medical screenings for adults and youth in the community, and other community engagements.
Medical supplies were also donated to the Dodi Asantekrom CHPS compound and received on behalf of the facility by Mr. Amefu, a Physician Assistant.
By Spectator Reporter
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AS Ghana celebrates its 69th Independence Day, the country reflects on the vision of its first President, Kwame Nkrumah. Beyond political freedom, Nkrumah dreamed of building a modern, self-reliant nation.
He launched ambitious projects aimed at industrialisation, job creation, and to position Ghana as a leader in Africa.
Many of these projects were interrupted or abandoned after the 1966 coup that removed him from power. Today, these projects remain reminders of bold ambitions and opportunities for revival.
1. The Black Star Line
One of Nkrumah’s earliest initiatives was the Black Star Line, Ghana’s first national shipping company. Established in 1957, it aimed to boost trade and reduce dependence on foreign vessels. Nkrumah envisioned a fleet of Ghanaian ships transporting goods across Africa and beyond.
The project, however, suffered from poor management, financial challenges, and political instability. After the 1966 coup, the Black Star Line collapsed, leaving a gap in Ghana’s maritime sector. Today, the country still relies heavily on foreign shipping, showing how Nkrumah’s foresight was ahead of its time.
2. Railway expansion
Perhaps Nkrumah’s most enduring domestic dream was a nationwide railway network. He wanted lines connecting northern and southern Ghana, linking agricultural zones to factories, and connecting mines to ports. Railways were to be the backbone of industrialisation, enabling efficient transport of goods and people.
Much of this vision remains unrealised. Expansion stalled after 1966, and the network has suffered decades of neglect.
- Juapong textile factory
- Tomato and fruit processing plants: Designed to add value to agricultural produce, but operations collapsed due to inconsistent supply and lack of technical expertise.
Modernisation efforts by successive governments, including the construction of the Tema–Mpakadan line and rehabilitation of parts of the Western Line, have only partially restored his vision. A fully integrated railway system, particularly linking northern regions, remains a work in progress.
3. Accra–Tema Industrial corridor
The Accra–Tema Motorway, constructed in the early 1960s, was intended to anchor an industrial corridor connecting factories, ports, and residential areas.
The motorway itself was completed and remains a key route, but many industrial zones along the corridor were never built, limiting the economic impact of the project.
4. Defunct factories and industrial ambitions
Through the Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC), Nkrumah established numerous state-owned factories to reduce imports, create jobs, and industrialise the country. Many of these factories, however, became defunct due to poor management, political changes, and economic challenges.
Some notable examples include:
- Textile factories: Aimed at making Ghana self-reliant in clothing production, but most shut down after Nkrumah’s overthrow.
- Brick, tile, and cement factories: Intended to supply building materials for rapid urbanisation; many closed or underperformed.
- Sugar and meat processing plants: Built to supply local demand and reduce imports, yet most never reached full capacity.
These defunct factories are a testament to the challenges of maintaining large-scale industrial projects in a changing political and economic environment. They also illustrate the potential that existed to make Ghana self-sufficient in manufacturing.
Meridian Hotel
The Meridian Hotel in Tema. Built in 1960 by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. One of the most sought-after hotels at the time, it was a popular location for dignitaries and tourists. The iconic hotel was so popular it inspired the famous Wulomei song Meridian.
Sadly, it has been abandoned for over two decades after it was closed down in the late 1990s. Meanwhile, residents in the area have called on the government to demolish the building if there are no plans to revamp it.
Lessons and way forward
These abandoned projects and defunct factories are not just stories of failure. They highlight Nkrumah’s bold vision and the importance of continuity in national development. Independence brought freedom, but building a self-reliant, industrialised Ghana requires sustained planning, political stability, and investment in infrastructure and human capital.
As Ghana marks its 69th Independence Day, revisiting these projects is both a reflection on history and a call to action. Reviving or modernising parts of these initiatives could strengthen infrastructure, create jobs, and make the country more competitive in the regional and global economy.
Nkrumah’s projects were not merely monuments of ambitions but blueprints for economic sovereignty. As Ghanaians, it is not just enough to remember past events leading to independence but completing and reviving works that began in 1957.
It reminds us that true nation-building—connecting the country, industrialising the economy, and asserting Ghana’s role in Africa—is an ongoing journey.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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