Ghana’s government marked the 157th birthday of the late W.E.B. Du Bois with a significant wreath-laying ceremony held in his honor. The event saw high-level representation, including Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff; Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts; and Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, among others.
In her address, Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the immense contributions of not only W.E.B. Du Bois but also other key Pan-African figures such as Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, and other African ancestors. She reflected on how their collective legacies have profoundly shaped modern Africa, from the struggles for liberation and social justice to the ongoing pursuit of emancipation.
Gomashie acknowledged the responsibility Ghana carries as the custodian of the mortal remains of these African luminaries. She specifically highlighted the importance of the Du Bois Center for Pan-African Culture as a major tourist attraction under her ministry’s stewardship, dedicated to promoting the values of Pan-Africanism.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum, and mentioned plans for the renovation of the George Padmore Library. She also referenced the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto promise to support these projects, emphasizing their significance in furthering the Black Star experience—a key cultural initiative her ministry is dedicated to advancing.
In closing, Gomashie called for the collective support of industry stakeholders and the public in sustaining the legacy of these African icons. On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, she extended heartfelt birthday wishes to W.E.B. Du Bois, celebrating his enduring impact on both Ghana and the African diaspora.
