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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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Avoid Johannesburg CBD unless travel there is necessary – Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa
Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa has urged Ghanaians to take note of a significant protest currently taking place in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) today, Wednesday, 29 April 2026 by the March and March over unemployment and undocumented foreign nationals.
According to them, this has already led to major traffic disruptions and interruptions to normal business activities in the CBD
Given the nature of the protest, the High Commission noted that there is a heightened risk of tension, particularly toward foreign nationals.
“Please advise all to exercise caution throughout the day. It is advisable to avoid the Johannesburg CBD unless travel there is absolutely necessary. Those who live in Johannesburg are urged to remain indoors or in secure locations and limit unnecessary movement,” It stated.
Additionally, they added that “Members of the community should also be reminded not to engage with protesters under any circumstances, even if approached or provoked, and to prioritize their personal safety at all times. Carrying valid identification and relevant documentation is essential.”
Ghanaians in South Africa have been urged to stay in close communication “with members of our community and check in on individuals who may be particularly vulnerable. Parents and guardians should ensure that children remain in safe environments and avoid travel through affected areas.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
An aide to former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the government over ongoing power outages, urging authorities to prioritise solutions instead of explanations.
His comments come in response to recent remarks by Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor regarding challenges in the power sector.
Speaking on the issue on Channel One TV, Mr. Aboagye questioned the government’s justification that ongoing transformer upgrades and system expansions are responsible for the outages.
He argued that such maintenance work has been carried out in the past without causing widespread disruption.
He said the situation does not make sense, insisting that it is possible to upgrade infrastructure without plunging the entire country into darkness.
According to him, Ghanaians are more concerned about having stable electricity than listening to explanations.
“Your talking means nothing to us. Give us power,” he said.
Mr. Aboagye added that the power situation is affecting lives and livelihoods across the country.
He claimed that businesses are shutting down, people are losing their jobs, and some lives are being put at risk due to the outages.
He pointed to rising costs, noting that consumers are paying more for electricity despite the unstable supply.
The former Vice President’s aide further criticised the government for what he described as a lack of respect for citizens, saying the focus should be on delivering reliable power rather than assigning blame.
By: Jacob Aggrey
