By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, March 3, GNA – Mr Japhet Aryiku, the Executive Director, W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, has expressed the Foundation’s commitment to transforming the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre in Accra into a world-class museum complex.
The state-of-the-art facility, among other objectives, intends to promote deeper understanding of African and African-American history.
In a release following the 157th anniversary of the birth of W.E.B. Du Bois, the Pan-Africanist civil rights activist; Mr Aryiku said the Foundation would raise millions of dollars to develop the facility.
It would also renovate Dr Du Bois’ bungalow and construct a new memorial to house the remains of the prominent figure.
Alongside a space for reflection and meditation, he noted that a modern museum would be established to honour the life and work of Dr. W.E. B. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois, his wife.
Mr Aryiku acknowledged the monumental nature of the project but reaffirmed the Foundation’s determination to accomplish it.
Highlighting the need to preserve the collection of books and papers of the prolific author, he noted that the Foundation had partnered with the Library of Congress in the United States of America, under a four-year agreement to provide technical support for restoration and conservation efforts.
The world-class research library would gather various works and make them accessible to scholars and the public.
Representatives of the Foundation, the Du Bois family, the governments of Ghana and the United States, laid wreaths at the ceremony.
Through exhibitions, research, and educational initiatives, the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation strives to inspire new generations to embrace and continue Du Bois’ vision of justice, equality, and intellectual empowerment.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, emphasised the Government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Pan-Africanism.
Hailing the financial commitments made towards the Du Bois Centre’s restoration, she cited the modern Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as an example of ongoing efforts to enhance Ghana’s cultural heritage.
She called for support for the Black Star Experience, the government’s flagship tourism initiative.
GNA