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W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Commemorates 40th Anniversary of Historic Du Bois Centre’s Dedication
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, marked a momentous occasion with the 40th Anniversary celebration of the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture. 
The commemorative event drew dignitaries, diplomats, cultural leaders, scholars, and members of the Pan-African community from around the world to honour the enduring legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois.
This year’s anniversary held added significance, coinciding with the birthday of H.E. J.J. Rawlings, the late former President of Ghana under whose visionary leadership the Centre was originally commissioned in 1985.
His foundational role in establishing the Du Bois Centre was remembered with deep reverence throughout the day’s activities.
The celebration began with a warm welcome delivered by Dr. Kofi Boateng, Chief Financial Officer of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, who read the welcome address on behalf of Mr. Daniel Rose, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board.
His remarks set the tone for the day, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to preserving and expanding Dr. Du Bois’s legacy for generations to come.
The programme continued with a powerful keynote by Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, who commissioned the Centre on June 22, 1985—his 38th birthday.
In her address, she paid a stirring tribute to both Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois and her father’s Pan-African vision.
She reflected on Ghana’s place in the global Black freedom struggle, recalling how figures like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Muhammad Ali found inspiration in Ghana during its post-independence years.
Her tribute honoured the Du Bois Centre as both a monument of memory and a rallying point for Pan-African engagement.
One of the most anticipated moments was the official public introduction of Jeffrey Alan Peck, great-grandson of Dr. Du Bois and a Board Member of the Foundation.
Peck spoke passionately about his family’s connection to Ghana and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Rawlings and Nkrumah families, as well as the people of Ghana, for honouring his great-grandfather’s legacy.
In his address, Mr. Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, acknowledged the millions of dollars already invested into the Centre’s restoration—thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s Board members.
He announced that a global fundraising initiative will soon be launched to support the next phase of development.Mr. Aryiku also made a public appeal for the recovery of authentic Du Bois belongings:
“We are actively searching for original furniture, personal items, and archival materials once owned by Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois during their time in Ghana. If you know the whereabouts of any such items, we invite you to join us in restoring the Du Boises’ home with authenticity and dignity.”
The event brought together past directors and thought leaders who reflected on the Centre’s founding purpose and its evolving role in Pan-African scholarship and cultural preservation. It featured speakers including, Prof. Anne V. Adams, Professor Emerita, Cornell University and former Director of the Centre,Senator Conmany B. Wesseh, Liberian statesman and former Director of the Centre,
Dr. Sekou Nkrumah, son of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and former Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. William N.T. Evans-Anfom, renowned physician, statesman, and architect of the Du Bois tomb, Maame Efua Honadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, representing the Minister of Tourism.
Their remarks offered reflections on the Centre’s original vision and aspirations for its continued relevance in Pan-African and global Black thought.
A moving tribute was paid to President Jerry John Rawlings for his instrumental role in commissioning the Centre 40 years ago. In recognition of his contributions, a special birthday celebration and cake-cutting ceremony was held in his honour, marking not just a personal milestone but a national legacy deeply intertwined with the history of the Centre.
Guests were treated to a preview of an exclusive exhibition showcasing rare materials from the lives of Dr. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois during their years in Ghana. From personal letters to never-before-seen photographs and political artifacts, the exhibition offered an intimate look into the couple’s final chapter on the African continent.
The celebration was further enriched by the presence of several high-profile dignitaries and diplomats, including:Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Former First Lady of Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Kyrre Holm, Deputy Head of Mission, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Jonathan Wiesner, Deputy Executive Director, Helping Africa Foundation, Fritz Baffour, former Minister of Information and Foundation Board Member; Madam Maame Efua Honadjeto, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority.
Their participation underscored the global reach and influence of Dr. Du Bois’s legacy.
About the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation has been entrusted by the Government of Ghana to manage and oversee the operations of the Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture.
Its vision is to promote and preserve the legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois while building bridges between Africa and the global Black diaspora.
Its mission is to transform the Centre into a world-class museum complex and research institute, offering a vibrant space for scholarship, cultural exchange, and historical memory.
Through strategic partnerships, restoration projects, and bold cultural diplomacy, the Foundation is ensuring that the vision and ideals of Dr. Du Bois continue to educate, inspire, and connect generations worldwide.
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
