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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.
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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