By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Aug 10, GNA – Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts says Government’s decision to review and sign an agreement with the Du Bois Foundation in the United States, to hand over the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, will strengthen cultural diplomacy.
The Minister who disclosed this when she took her turn at the Government’s said it would also preserve historical authenticity and enhance global visibility.
She reiterated that it was anticipated that the partnership would bring technical expertise, international funding, and stronger archival and research capacity, ensuring that the vision and intellectual heritage of W.E.B. Du Bois were professionally managed and globally connected.
She noted that it would also deepen ties between Ghana and the African diaspora, positioning the Centre as a vibrant hub for Pan-African scholarship, tourism, and cultural exchange while reinforcing Ghana’s leadership in honoring shared Black history.
She said they hoped to upgrade the Du Bois Centre to the level of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Touching on Improvement of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the Minister said upon assumption of office, we have subjected the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) to a deliberate governance and institutional restructuring.
She noted that a Governing Board was constituted in October 2025 for the first time for the Park and supported by a clarified organogram and reporting structure.
“The Park’s redesigned website has been active since June 2025 and now includes a virtual tour,” Madam Gomashie said.
“Social media engagement has increased significantly, with Facebook followers growing from 475 to over 14,200 within eight months.”
She said refresh branding and improved signage had enhanced visibility; adding that visitor experience had improved through redesigning the facility, free Wi-Fi, and installation of 25 marble benches.
She said there had been major infrastructure upgrades including lighting rewiring, restoration of the musical fountain, landscaping improvements, repainting of the Park, and reinforcement of concrete drain covers with metal grids.
“Energy costs an average of GHS100,000 monthly. An energy audit has been completed, transformer upgrades undertaken, and a solar transition is underway, expected to be completed before end-March.”
She said plans were advanced to operationalise the Dr Kwame Nkrumah Presidential Library, in collaboration with the Ghana Library Authority; saying, “opening is expected during the 2026 Nkrumah Fest”.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei