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Speaker of Parliament leads delegation to Du Bois Centre as Museum Foundation begins heritage restoration
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Monday, February 9, 2026, led a high-level delegation on a working visit to the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture in Cantonments, Accra, following a formal invitation by the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation.
The delegation was received by the Foundation’s Executive Director, Japhet Aryiku, who led engagements outlining the Foundation’s mandate and the next phase of work at the Centre, including restoration, preservation, and long-term institutional development plans.
The visit coincides with the commencement of a new phase of restoration and transformation efforts at the Du Bois Centre, following the Government of Ghana’s mandate granting the Foundation stewardship and operational management of the site.
These efforts form part of a long-term programme to preserve and advance the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois through the development of a world-class museum, research, and cultural complex.
A Visit of Memory, Commitment, and National Purpose
During the tour and subsequent media engagement, the Right Honourable Speaker described the visit as both reflective and deeply affirming of Ghana’s responsibility to Pan-African history and identity.
Speaking as a student of history, he underscored the Du Bois Centre as a repository of Africa’s intellectual memory and a foundational site in the continent’s journey toward self-definition and liberation.
He emphasized that history remains essential to wisdom and national progress, noting that Africa’s future must be firmly anchored in an understanding of its past, cultural identity, and intellectual inheritance.
The Speaker described the transformation of the Du Bois Centre as a potential global turning point for Pan-African scholarship and engagement, and reaffirmed his full support for the project.
He further pledged his personal commitment and encouraged broad institutional and public support for the Foundation’s vision.
Restoration and Institutional Development
In outlining the scope of work, the Executive Director explained that the immediate phase will focus on the careful restoration of Dr. Du Bois’ historic bungalow, returning it to its original character with sensitive modernization.
Restoration works are expected to commence in April 2026, with the restored bungalow projected to be dedicated in February 2027.
Beyond the bungalow, the Executive Director detailed plans for a comprehensive museum complex that will include a new exhibition museum chronicling the ninety-five-year life and work of Dr. Du Bois; a research library housing rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials; a scholars’ residence for visiting researchers from across the world; performance and cultural spaces for Pan-African artistic expression; and a new mausoleum to honour Dr. Du Bois and his wife, Shirley Graham Du Bois.
He noted that the project represents not only a heritage intervention, but a long-term investment in education, research, and global Pan-African cultural exchange.
Exhibition and Archival Preservation Efforts
As part of the visit, the delegation was taken through The Du Boises in Ghana exhibition, which documents the lives and work of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois during their years in Ghana.
The exhibition highlights their intellectual, cultural, and political contributions, and situates Ghana as a central space in their Pan-African journey.
The delegation also inspected the Centre’s archival holdings, including Dr. Du Bois’ personal library, manuscripts, academic robes, and rare publications.
The Executive Director outlined ongoing book preservation and digitisation efforts aimed at safeguarding these materials, many of which are fragile due to age and environmental exposure.
He noted that the Foundation is investing in professional conservation training, restoration partnerships, and modern archival systems to ensure long-term access for researchers, students, and the public.
Government Support and National Significance
The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, who joined the delegation, described the visit as both professionally and personally significant.
She expressed appreciation to the Speaker, the Foundation, and the President of the Republic of Ghana for supporting the agreement that formally transferred stewardship of the Du Bois Centre from the Ministry to the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation.
She highlighted the importance of positioning Dr. Du Bois alongside Kwame Nkrumah and George Padmore as Ghana’s Pan-African giants, noting that their legacies must be preserved and presented with equal dignity as Ghana consolidates its role as a global hub of Pan-Africanism.
Also present at the visit were other notable guests, including Fritz Baffour, a former Minister for Tourism, and Seth Ocran, President of the Ghana Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Association (GHATOF), underscoring the tourism and hospitality sector’s interest in and alignment with the Centre’s restoration and redevelopment agenda.
Stakeholder Engagement and Next Steps
As part of the restoration process, the Foundation will announce the temporary closure of the Du Bois bungalow to allow for careful conservation works to begin.
This initial phase marks a critical step toward safeguarding the historic fabric of the site while laying the foundation for future development.
In recognition of the national significance of the project, formal invitations have been extended to H.E. President John Dramani Mahama; H.E. Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; the Chief of Staff; the entire Cabinet; and the Chief Justice.
The Speaker’s visit forms part of the Foundation’s broader stakeholder engagement efforts aimed at fostering transparency, national ownership, and institutional collaboration as restoration works begin and long-term development plans are rolled out.
About the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation remains committed to preserving the historical integrity of the Du Bois Memorial Centre while positioning it as a living Pan-African space for education, research, and cultural exchange for generations to come.
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
