63 years on, Ghana renews commitment to preserving Du Bois’ legacy

By: Hubeyidatu Mumuni

Ghana has renewed its commitment to preserving the legacy of renowned scholar, writer and Pan-Africanist Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, 63 years after his passing.

The commitment was reaffirmed by the Ministry of Education at a commemoration marking the 63rd anniversary of Dr. Du Bois’ passing and the launch of a 365-day countdown to the rededication of his bungalow in Accra.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education, the Deputy Minister said Dr. Du Bois’ contribution to education, research and the advancement of people of African descent continues to hold significance for present and future generations.

“We remember him as a scholar, writer, teacher and advocate who devoted his life to the advancement of people of African descent,” the Deputy Minister said.

Dr. Du Bois spent the final years of his life in Ghana after being invited by then-President Kwame Nkrumah in 1961 to work on the Encyclopedia Africana, a project aimed at documenting African history and knowledge from an African perspective.

Although he died before completing the project, the Ministry said its purpose remains relevant to education today and reinforces the need to preserve and promote African history.

The Deputy Minister stressed that students must have access to accurate accounts of Africa’s history and the writings of personalities who contributed to shaping it.

“Our students must have access to accurate accounts of African history, and to the writings of those who helped shape it,” the Deputy Minister stated.

As part of efforts to preserve Dr. Du Bois’ legacy, the redevelopment of the W. E. B. Du Bois Centre is expected to include the restoration of his bungalow, preservation of his books and personal materials, as well as a planned museum and research library.

The Ministry said the facilities will provide important resources for students, teachers and researchers while ensuring that future generations can engage directly with Dr. Du Bois’ work.

It also disclosed that approximately 1,500 books, journals and other publications associated with Dr. Du Bois are being preserved.

“Preserving these materials will help ensure that future generations can study his ideas and better understand the period in which he lived and worked,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Ministry further emphasised that preserving Du Bois’ legacy should extend beyond museums and historic sites, urging young people to read widely, think independently, conduct research and contribute to knowledge about Africa.

The Deputy Minister said the participation of students in the commemoration was particularly important because the Centre must remain a place where young people can encounter history directly.

“Learning does not take place only in the classroom,” the Deputy Minister said, noting that places such as the Du Bois Centre enable students to see the people, objects and records behind the subjects they study.

The Ministry of Education commended the W. E. B. Du Bois Museum Foundation and its partners for the work already underway and welcomed efforts to connect education with museums, archives and historic sites.

The 365-day countdown launched at the commemoration will culminate in the planned rededication of the Du Bois bungalow on August 27, 2027.

The Ministry said it remains committed to encouraging the serious study and careful documentation of African history while equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to Ghana, Africa and the wider world.