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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.
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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