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Remembering Shirley Graham Du Bois: A Woman Who Called Ghana Home
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Forty-eight years ago, Shirley Graham Du Bois passed away, leaving a global legacy. Though born in the U.S., she made Ghana her home, becoming a key figure in the country’s cultural, political, and media spaces. Not just the wife of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, Shirley was an accomplished writer, composer, historian, and civil rights activist in her own right.
In 1961, Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, welcomed the Du Boises to Ghana. At age 93, Dr. Du Bois focused on completing the Encyclopedia Africana, a dream he shared with Nkrumah—to tell African history from an African perspective. Shirley supported the project and immersed herself in Ghana’s intellectual and political life.
After her husband’s death in 1963, Shirley stayed in Ghana, continuing their Pan-African work and strengthening ties between Ghana and the African American community. In 1964, she was appointed Director of Ghana National Television, where she shaped media content to reflect African culture and independence. She helped position Ghana as a leader in Pan-African media, empowered women in journalism, and created space for Black voices in global conversations.
Shirley believed Ghana could serve as a cultural and spiritual home for people of African descent across the globe. Through her media work and connections with the diaspora, she encouraged African Americans to look to Ghana not just as a destination, but as a place of belonging and pride.
She worked with Ghanaian intellectuals and leaders to promote policies that centered African identity and cultural strength. Her leadership style was inclusive and bold, challenging gender norms and advocating for more women to lead in media and politics. At a time when female voices were often silenced, Shirley Graham Du Bois stood tall.
Her efforts in radio, television, and print expanded Ghana’s influence during a key moment in the global Black liberation movement. She ensured that stories of African achievement, resistance, and unity were not just preserved, but shared boldly with the world.
But in 1966, the political shift following the overthrow of Nkrumah forced many, including Shirley, to leave Ghana. Even in exile, she remained a fierce advocate for African unity and cultural preservation, continuing to write, lecture, and speak on global platforms.
Today, as Ghana grows as a center for African American heritage tourism, Shirley’s contributions deserve recognition alongside figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and George Padmore. She helped establish Ghana as a beacon of Black excellence and Pan-African thought.
Her books—like Tom-Tom, Dr. George Washington Carver, Scientist, Paul Robeson, Citizen of the World, and There Once Was a Slave—still inspire readers today. On this anniversary, we remember her not just as a wife, but as a remarkable woman who helped shape Ghana’s place in global history.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation is proud to spearhead this commemoration as part of their mission to preserve and elevate Pan-African heritage. They are working to transform the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture into a world-class museum complex—a vibrant hub for education, tourism, and cultural diplomacy that honors the legacy of both Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois.
By the W.E.B. Du Bois M
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
