Education Ministry backs redevelopment of Du Bois Centre as hub for African history and research

The Ministry of Education has backed the redevelopment of the W. E. B. Du Bois Centre, describing the project as an important educational initiative that will provide lasting resources for students, teachers and researchers.

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education at the 63rd anniversary commemoration of the passing of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois in Accra on Thursday, August 27, 2026, said the redevelopment of the Centre had significant educational value.

According to the Deputy Minister, the restoration of the Du Bois bungalow, preservation of his books and personal materials, as well as the planned museum and research library, would create valuable resources for future generations.

“The redevelopment of the W. E. B. Du Bois Centre therefore has a clear educational value,” Dr. Apaak said.

“The restoration of the bungalow, the preservation of his books and personal materials, and the planned museum and research library will provide resources for students, teachers and researchers for years to come.”

The Deputy Minister said Dr. Du Bois’ strong belief in education remained relevant to Ghana’s educational development, noting that he regarded education as a means of developing the mind, understanding society and preparing people to improve the conditions around them.

Dr. Du Bois, described as a scholar, writer, teacher and advocate, devoted his life to the advancement of people of African descent. His teaching, research and writing encouraged generations to study their history, critically examine society and take responsibility for shaping their future.

The Deputy Minister noted that Dr. Du Bois’ decision to spend the final years of his life in Ghana placed a special responsibility on the country to preserve and promote his legacy.

He said Dr. Du Bois was invited to Ghana by President Kwame Nkrumah in 1961 to work on the Encyclopedia Africana, a project intended to document African history and knowledge from an African perspective.

Although Dr. Du Bois did not live to complete the project, the Deputy Minister said its purpose remained relevant to education today.

He stressed the need for students to have access to accurate accounts of African history and the writings of people who helped shape it.

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

He further encouraged young people to research, question and create, while contributing to the body of knowledge about Africa and its people.

The Ministry also recognized the staff responsible for caring for the Centre’s collection of approximately 1,500 books, journals and other publications associated with Dr. Du Bois.

The Deputy Minister said preserving the materials would ensure that future generations could study Dr. Du Bois’ ideas and gain a better understanding of the period in which he lived and worked.

He also emphasised the importance of involving students in activities at the Centre, saying historic sites could complement classroom education by allowing young people to encounter the people, objects and records behind the subjects they study.

“Learning does not take place only in the classroom,” he said.

The commemoration also marked the beginning of a 365-day countdown to the planned rededication of the Du Bois bungalow on August 27, 2027.

The Deputy Minister urged stakeholders to continue Dr. Du Bois’ commitment to 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.

The Ministry also commended the W. E. B. Du Bois Museum Foundation and its partners for the work already underway and wished the Foundation success in its preparations towards the rededication of the bungalow next year.